Gary Lineker has confirmed he’s leaving the BBC after this season’s Match Of The Day and can not current its World Cup protection.
It comes after the 64-year-old “apologised unreservedly” for sharing a social media publish illustrated with a rat – which has been used to signify Jewish individuals in antisemitic propaganda, together with Nazi Germany.
In a press release on Monday, Lineker stated: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.
“I care deeply in regards to the recreation, and in regards to the work I’ve completed with the BBC over a few years. As I’ve stated, I’d by no means consciously repost something antisemitic – it goes in opposition to all the pieces I stand for.
“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
Picture:
Lineker has fronted Match Of The Day since 1999. PA
Lineker stated he deleted the publish when he discovered in regards to the rat’s symbolism, including he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic”.
In a separate video posted to Instagram, the pundit added: “I’ve stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor.
“There is not any place for it and by no means must be.”
He went on to thank the “brilliant, talented” individuals he has labored with and described his relationship with the BBC as “long and wonderful”.
He added: “But it’s the right time for the organisation and myself to go our separate ways.”
Lineker’s final look on the BBC might be on Sunday 25 Might, the ultimate day of the season.
What are the BBC pointers on impartiality?
Gary Lineker signed a five-year take care of the BBC in 2020, beneath which he agreed to stick to their impartiality guidelines.
The foundations had been then up to date after his return to Match Of The Day in 2023.
The most recent laws say high-profile BBC presenters ought to have the ability to specific their views on political points so long as they cease in need of campaigning.
It doesn’t make clear what would represent political campaigning for the big-name presenters.
The rules additionally stress the significance of “high standards of civility in public discourse”, which incorporates treating others with respect, even within the face of abuse and never utilizing offensive or aggressive language.
‘A defining voice in soccer protection’
Additionally confirming Lineker’s exit, BBC director common Tim Davie stated: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.
“Gary has been a defining voice in soccer protection for the BBC for over twenty years. His ardour and information have formed our sports activities journalism and earned him the respect of sports activities followers throughout the UK and past.
“We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”
Picture:
Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share the function of presenting Match of the Day. Pic BBC/PA
The previous England star introduced in November he would step down from Match Of The Day this yr, however was set to return to entrance the World Cup in 2026, in addition to FA Cup protection.
He was briefly suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over feedback he made criticising the then Conservative authorities’s asylum coverage.
He might be changed on Match Of The Day by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman, who will share the presenting function from the following Premier League season.
Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air expertise for seven consecutive years.
He joined the programme having began as a BBC Radio 5 Reside presenter, additionally engaged on the broadcaster’s former flagship sports activities present Grandstand throughout his early years in broadcasting.
The Leicester-born presenter can be the co-founder of podcast producing firm Goalhanger, which makes the favored The Relaxation Is Historical past sequence and its spin-offs about politics, soccer, leisure and cash.
