Apologetic Lineker to leave his BBC role this weekend

Presenter Gary Lineker apologised for the hurt and upset caused” following a social media post he shared as his early exit from the BBC was confirmed.

- KERRI-ANN ROPER

Lineker will leave the corporation after this weekend’s Match of the Day and will not front BBC coverage of the 2026 World Cup, or coverage of the FA Cup next season, as had been previously announced.

In an Instagram video, in which he referenced a post he previously shared about Zionism, which he deleted, and which had featured a picture of a rat, he said: “Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji. If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology.”

The Nazis referred to Jews as rats and the rodent is an antisemitic trope.

Lineker added: “I would like once again to say I’m sorry, unreservedly, for the hurt and upset caused, it was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent, I know that.

“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’s no place for it and never should be.”

The BBC’s highest-paid presenter, he has headed up