Gary Lineker to leave BBC, earlier after controversy of anti -Semitism
Soccer Pundit Gary Lineker leaves the BBC earlier than planned after an anti -Semitism row, has confirmed the company.
Last week Lineker shared a social media post about Zionism with an illustration of a rat, historically used as an anti -Semitic insult. The presenter apologized and said that he would never have deliberately shared something anti -Semitic.
“Gary Lineker will leave his presenting role after the conclusion of the competition of the day before the 2024/25 season,” the BBC said in a statement on Monday. “He will not be part of the coverage of the BBC over the World Cup 2026 or the FA Cup coverage of next season.”
Tim Davie, BBC director-general, said: “Gary has recognized the error he has made. We have agreed that he will take a step back from further presenting after this season. Gary has been a determining voice in the football reporting for the BBC for the BBC has already fulfilled him of the Rorm and Knowdia. in addition.
Lineker added: “Football [soccer] has been as long as I can remember, both on the field and in the studio. I care a lot about the game, and for the work I have done with the BBC for many years. Like I said, I would never consciously post anything anti -Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognize the mistake and upset that I have caused and repeat how sorry I am. A step back now feels like the responsible way of acting. “
This is not the first controversy of Lineker. In 2023 the BBC said it had had a ‘frank conversation’ with the star after he criticized the asylum policy of the government, comparing the language with ‘not different from that by Germany in the 1930s’.
In response, the BBC determined that he had broken their guidelines for social media and that Lineker had to take a step back to take a step back for a few days.
Earlier this month Lineker seemed to be the new boss of BBC Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, to criticize, De Telegraaf tell He had ‘no television experience’, while he encouraged him not to make changes to ‘match of the day’.
And in one Interview with Amol Rajan of the BBCLineker said he felt that the BBC wanted him to leave while negotiating a new contract last year.
Last week, when BBC director-general Tim Davie was asked if Lineker broke the rules with his position, he replied: “When it comes to presenters, I just say that everyone’s reputation is held by everyone, and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us. And I think we are absolutely mediabeled to be of the BBC for example.
