He shared an anti -Semitic post
Football TV expert leaves the broadcaster prematurely
Updated on May 19, 2025 – 1:01 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Already in the recent past there has been repeated controversy in England about the football expert Gary Lineker. Now a social media contribution probably leads to the BBC.
It was considered the face of BBC soccer reporting for decades. But after more than 25 years, Gary Lineker should not moderate the traditional program “Match of the Day” – apparently with immediate effect. Several British media report this. The reason is a controversial contribution to Instagram.
As the English tabloid “The Sun” reports, the 64-year-old will leave the BBC prematurely. Just a few days earlier, Lineker had shared a video of the “Palestine Lobby” account, which dealt with the Israel Gaza conflict. The video was provided with a rat emoji-a symbol that is historically charged anti-Semitically and was used by the National Socialists.
Lineker then apologized: “I reposted material on Instagram, of which I have now learned that it contained insulting allusions. I very much regret these allusions.” He assumed full responsibility and explained that the contribution he immediately deleted did not reflect his views.
Despite the apology, the step has apparently not remained without consequences. According to media reports, the post office questioned the impartiality of the BBC. This was not compatible with the stations of the station, it said.
A few weeks ago, Lineker had already explained in an interview that he no longer felt wanted at the BBC. When asked why he doesn’t moderate “Match of the Day”, he said: “Well, maybe you want me to go. It appeared.” It was planned that after the end of this season he should be a short step, but would continue to act as an expert for the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup. But now there is probably nothing of it.
Lineker is one of the most prominent media figures in Great Britain, and was the best paid TV expert from the BBC for years with a fee of the equivalent of around 1.6 million euros (£ 1.35 million).
In recent years, however, it has been increasingly controversial – also because of political statements. In 2023 he had compared statements by the then Minister of the Interior Suella Braverman about immigration with rhetoric from the 1930s in Germany. The incident triggered sharp criticism of conservative politicians.
Before his TV career, Lineker was active as a football professional-including at Leicester City, FC Everton and FC Barcelona. In the 1980s he was considered one of the best strikers in the country.