Gary Lineker is about to step down from his function on the BBC, with this weekend’s Match of the Day episode set to be his final broadcast. This resolution for Lineker to step down after 30 years on the BBC comes on account of his touchdown in hassle for alleged antisemitic content material reshared on his social media profile final week.
Gary Lineker throughout one in every of his ultimate BBC broadcasts, overlaying the FA Cup ultimate between Crystal Palace and Manchester Metropolis at Wembley Stadium.(AP)
64-year-old Lineker subsequently recused himself from BBC’s panel for the next season’s FA Cup in addition to the forthcoming protection of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having already introduced that he was stepping down from Match of the Day after having devoted 26 years to being its host for the reason that flip of the millennium. Lineker posted a video on his Instagram account confirming that this weekend’s episode of the Match of the Day, which is able to cowl the final gameweek of the 2024-25 Premier League season, can be his ultimate day on the BBC.
Lineker final week reshared an Instagram submit that served as an explainer for the harms of the Zionist nationalist ideology. Nevertheless, it did so through the use of a caricature of Jewish folks as rats, an antisemitic depiction that was current within the video and introduced Lineker below fireplace. He deleted the submit quickly after, and launched an announcement that apologised for his lack of diligence whereas resharing that specific submit.
Lineker had launched an announcement that learn: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.”
Nonetheless, the 1986 World Cup golden boot winner remained steadfast in his stance on the have to be part of commentary on social points. In recent times, this developed right into a sticking level between himself and BBC higher-ups, resulting in new guidelines that pressured their flagship presenters to “respect the BBC’s impartiality” by refraining from commenting on social points and present affairs.
Lineker bids goodbye to coworkers of final 30 years
Regardless of this, Lineker remained outspoken on a number of social points, mentioning even in his assertion that he believes within the significance of utilizing his platform for good. “Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters,” Lineker had stated, earlier than including in his farewell Instagram video that standing up for minorities and oppressed teams stays a key worth for him.
He was additionally one in every of 500 petitioners of be aware when an open letter was penned to the BBC to reinstate a documentary characteristic about Gaza on their iPlayer streaming service in February this 12 months, an illustration of a long-time dedication to supporting the Palestinian trigger.
“I’d prefer to thank the folks I’ve labored alongside for 3 many years. The connection with the BBC has been lengthy and fantastic, but it surely’s the fitting time for the organisation and myself to go our separate methods,” stated Lineker on his Instagram account, as he gears up for a farewell broadcast this weekend because the race for Champions League spots stays within the stability within the Premier League.