Gary Lineker To Leave BBC After Social Media 'Error'

Published: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11:51 am

Gary Lineker to Exit BBC After Social Media Controversy

Former England football captain and BBC presenter Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC at the end of the current football season, following a social media "error" that sparked controversy. The announcement, made on Monday, confirms Lineker's departure from his presenting role on *Match of the Day* and his exclusion from the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup and next season's FA Cup.

The decision comes after Lineker shared an Instagram story last week that included imagery deemed anti-Semitic. He swiftly apologized "unreservedly" for the post, acknowledging the mistake and deleting the content. Lineker stated he "would never consciously repost anything antisemitic" and that stepping back felt like the "responsible course of action."

BBC Director-General Tim Davie confirmed the agreement, recognizing Lineker's error and acknowledging his significant contribution to the BBC's football coverage over two decades. Lineker, 64, was already planning to step down from *Match of the Day* at the end of the season, but the recent incident accelerated his departure from other BBC projects. Sunday's *Match of the Day* broadcast, following the final Premier League fixtures, will be his last.

Lineker's outspoken views on social media have previously caused issues for the BBC, which has strict impartiality rules. In March 2023, he was briefly taken off air after criticizing the government's asylum policy, leading to an internal review of the BBC's social media guidelines. Lineker was the BBC's highest-paid presenter, earning £1.35 million annually.

BNN's Perspective: While Lineker's departure is undoubtedly a loss for the BBC, the situation highlights the complexities of navigating social media and maintaining impartiality, especially for public figures. The BBC's response, while decisive, also underscores the need for clear guidelines and consistent application of those rules. The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with a large platform and the potential consequences of missteps, even unintentional ones.

Keywords: Gary Lineker, BBC, Match of the Day, football, social media, antisemitism, controversy, Tim Davie, Premier League, 2026 World Cup, FA Cup, presenter, departure, apology, impartiality, Instagram, England, news, sports, broadcasting.

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