Gary Lineker, well-known for his football legacy and his role as host of BBC’s Match of the Day, is facing intense scrutiny over a social media post he shared to Instagram.
A video supporting Palestine—accompanied by a rat emoji—triggered outrage, especially from Jewish groups who linked the imagery to antisemitic propaganda.
Though Lineker removed the post shortly after it went live, the damage had already been done.
He’s since issued a public apology, insisting he would “never knowingly share anything anti-Semitic” and emphasizing that he hadn’t recognized the implications of the imagery.
“I Take Full Responsibility”: Lineker Responds to the Backlash
In a statement released through his spokesperson, the 64-year-old former England captain expressed regret and took accountability for the misstep.
“I reposted content without realizing it contained a highly offensive reference,” Lineker said.
“As soon as I became aware, I deleted it. I apologize unreservedly—it doesn’t reflect my values.”
He added that although he feels strongly about raising awareness around humanitarian crises, including the situation in Gaza, it’s crucial to do so with care and responsibility.
Jewish Groups Call for His Removal from the BBC
Despite the apology, the response from critics—particularly Jewish advocacy groups—has been unforgiving.
Many pointed out that Nazi propaganda frequently used depictions of rats to dehumanize Jewish people.
The rat emoji, in this context, reignited painful associations.
The charity Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) posted publicly, accusing Lineker of playing ignorant and offering what they viewed as a half-hearted excuse.
“He presents himself as someone who speaks for the people, but acts like a detached politician when held accountable,” a spokesperson said.
“His recklessness is unacceptable—especially given his status as the BBC’s highest-paid presenter.”
BBC Faces Pressure Over Lineker’s Continued Role
There are increasing calls for the BBC to take firm action.
Danny Cohen, a former BBC Television Director, weighed in: “What Lineker shared echoes language once used by Nazi Germany. It’s extremely disturbing.”
Some BBC insiders, speaking anonymously to The Telegraph, expressed frustration at what they see as the corporation’s tolerance toward repeated controversies.
One Jewish staff member stated bluntly, “It’s disgraceful that the BBC hasn’t removed him. His actions reflect poorly on the institution.”
Defense from Lineker’s Camp: A Mistake, Not Malice
According to Lineker’s representative, the broadcaster did not notice the rat emoji when he initially shared the video.
Even if he had seen it, they claim, he would not have recognized its offensive connotation.
But critics remain unconvinced. Prominent lawyer Simon Myerson KC called out the inconsistency: “Just a year ago, Lineker condemned language reminiscent of Nazi Germany—now he claims ignorance of the same symbolism?”
Past Posts Resurface, Adding Fuel to the Fire
This incident has also drawn attention to Lineker’s history of controversial social media activity.
In 2023, he criticized the UK government’s migration policy, comparing its rhetoric to that of 1930s Germany.
That comment had already placed him at odds with BBC guidelines on impartiality.
Now, those remarks are being used to question how someone so outspoken about fascist rhetoric could have overlooked the symbolism in the video he reposted.
Barrister Simon Barrett summarized the growing sentiment: “If Lineker’s defense is that he wasn’t paying attention, that alone disqualifies him from being a credible public commentator. He should be let go.”
A Career Marked by Headlines, Not Just Football
Lineker, who scored 48 goals in 80 appearances for England, has hosted Match of the Day since 1999.
He’s no stranger to political commentary—often using his platform to speak out on major global issues.
In early 2023, he admitted he had received threats after tweeting in support of banning Israel from global sporting events.
Despite the backlash, he’s remained vocal.
“There’s heavy pressure on people to stay silent, but I can’t,” he told Zeteo.
“What’s happening in Gaza is horrifying. I cry often when I see what’s happening.”
Changes in Social Media Use and the BBC’s Response
Interestingly, Lineker has previously stated that he helped shape the BBC’s current social media rules, giving him more leeway to express opinions online.
He acknowledged that the new guidelines offer more freedom but maintained that he knows the boundaries well.
Still, he’s admitted that platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have become increasingly toxic.
“It’s hard to have a real conversation there anymore,” he said, claiming to have stepped back from frequent posting.
The BBC, for its part, referred critics to its updated editorial guidelines and did not confirm whether Lineker would face any formal consequences.
Reports suggest that his post did not technically violate their 2023 policies.
Lineker’s Future: What Comes Next?
Gary Lineker is expected to step down as Match of the Day host at the end of the current football season, but he’s already lined up to present the BBC’s coverage of the next World Cup.
Meanwhile, his media company Goalhanger continues to grow, with his popular podcast The Rest Is Football and sister show The Rest Is Politics consistently drawing large audiences.
His social media accounts continue promoting these episodes, keeping him very much in the public eye.
Still, this latest controversy has put a spotlight on whether public figures, especially those with immense influence, can afford to be so careless online.
For Lineker, the question now is whether his apologies will be enough—or whether the calls for his dismissal will ultimately prevail.