Gary Lineker Confirms He's Leaving The BBC Early After Backlash Over Mistaken Anti-Semitic Post

Gary Lineker in the Match Of The Day studio in 2018Gary Lineker has confirmed he is parting ways with the BBC earlier than planned following a controversy which arose earlier this month when he inadvertently reposted anti-Semitic imagery on social media.Last month, Gary issued a public apology after resharing a video titled “Zionism explained in less than two mins”, which spoke about the current conflict in Gaza, without realising it was overlaid with a cartoon image of a rat, an anti-Semitic trope dating back to Nazi Germany.The outgoing Match Of The Day host said on Monday afternoon: “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 about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years.“As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything 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.”The director-general of the BBC, Tim Davie, said in his own statement: “Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades.“His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”It was already Gary’s intention to step down as host of Match Of The Day – a role he’s occupied for more than 25 years, during which time he’s repeatedly been named as the highest-earning member of the on-air BBC team – at the end of the current football season.Two years ago, the former England striker found himself at the centre of a separate media storm when posts from him criticising the former Conservative government’s policy on migration were found to be in breach of the BBC’s guidelines around impartiality.Following this, the BBC’s leadership team declared that Gary would not present that week’s edition of Match Of The Day, which led to several of his BBC Sport colleagues pulling out of their own presenting duties in solidarity.After a widespread backlash against the BBC’s decision, Gary was reinstated days later, after which Tim Davie announced there would be an independent review of the broadcaster’s social media guidelines around impartiality.MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:I Kissed A Boy's First Trans Contestant Lars Fellows Says Casting 'Backlash' Is 'Rooted In Fear And Misinformation'Eurovision Bosses Confirm Paint Incident During Israeli Act's Final PerformanceElton John Brands Labour Ministers 'Absolute Losers' Over AI Copyright Row

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