Downing Street has commented after Gary Lineker apologised for his actions and announced he is leaving his BBC presenting role early following huge backlash over his social media posts
Downing Street has had its say on the Gary Lineker saga after the BBC presenter announced he is leaving his role with the organisation. The former footballer, 64, issued an apology as he announced he was quitting his position following a row over a post many deemed antisemitism.
Earlier this week Lineker spoke out on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and shared a pro-Palestine video on his Instagram account. The upload featured a rat emoji from the campaign group, Palestine Lobby. Lineker swiftly deleted the post and issued an apology soon after, but was met with huge backlash online.
He has now announced he will leave the organisation at the end of this football season. Lineker was due to finishing presenting Match of the Day this season but front BBC’s World Cup coverage in 2026 – which will no longer be the case.
And Downing Street spoke about his decision, saying in a statement, the former sports star had made a “significant contribution” to the BBC. They said, though, it was important the broadcaster upholds the “highest standards”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Specifically in relation to the social media post by Gary Lineker, that was clearly completely unacceptable and it’s right that he’s apologised. Staffing matters are obviously one for the BBC and for the individual involved, but we’ve always said that it’s important for the BBC to uphold the highest standards as the public would expect.
“More broadly, Gary Lineker has obviously made a significant contribution to the BBC’s broadcasting over the last two decades, and we obviously wish him the best, as I think we said when he first made his announcement that he would be departing the BBC in the future.”
On Monday, Lineker said in a social media post that he thought, in light of the situation, the best thing for all parties is for him to step away. He maintained he was “sorry unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused”.
He said: “Hi everyone, some personal news. Last week I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations. 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. I would like, once again, to say I am sorry unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused, it was a genuine mistake and oversight and I should’ve been more diligent, I know that.”
He continued: “I’ve stood up for minorities, 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. I think it is best for all concerned that I step down from BBC duties all together and not do next season’s FA Cup or World Cup.
“This weekend’s Match of the Day will be my last show. It has been a pleasure and a huge privilege to work with the BBC for 30 years.
“The relationship with the BBC has been long and wonderful but it is the right time for the organisation and myself to go our separate ways.
“Thank you also to all of you for your incredible love and support for so many years, I’ll see you all on Sunday.”
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