Gary Lineker has “apologised unreservedly” for a social media re-post that includes a rat, saying he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic”.
The 64-year-old presenter confronted criticism after he shared a publish on Instagram from the Palestine Foyer group displaying an image of a rat and titled: “Zionism explained in two minutes.”
In a press release, he stated: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.
“I very a lot remorse these references.
“I might by no means knowingly share something antisemitic.
“It goes against everything I believe in.
“The publish was eliminated as quickly as I grew to become conscious of the difficulty.
“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.
“I take full duty for this error.
“That image does not reflect my views.
“It was an error on my half for which I apologise unreservedly.”
Rats have traditionally been utilized in antisemitic propaganda, together with by the Nazis in Nineteen Thirties Germany.
Lineker’s agent advised the BBC the presenter instantly deleted the publish when he realized concerning the picture’s symbolism.
The presenter was briefly suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over feedback he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum coverage.
In November he introduced he can be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day however will nonetheless host World Cup and FA Cup protection.
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