Gary Lineker is no stranger to the spotlight. From his incredible football career, where he scored 331 goals and became a household name, to a celebrated 26 years as the main presenter of BBC’s Match of the Day, he’s had an impressive run.
But in recent years, it’s not just his on-field or broadcasting achievements that have made headlines—it’s his outspoken presence on social media that has sparked intense debate and controversy.
The End of an Era at the BBC
This week, news broke that Lineker, now 64, is stepping away from the BBC and will not be hosting their coverage of the upcoming World Cup.
This decision comes shortly after he apologized for a controversial Instagram post that he shared and then deleted.
The post, originally from a group called Palestine Lobby, featured a rat image tied to antisemitic symbolism—a connection Lineker said he hadn’t realized at first but immediately regretted once made aware.
His final Match of the Day appearance is set for this Sunday, closing a significant chapter in his broadcasting career.
The Instagram Post That Stirred Controversy
The most recent uproar around Lineker involved that Instagram repost showing a rat alongside the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes.”
Historically, such imagery has been used as hateful antisemitic propaganda.
After backlash, Lineker issued a heartfelt apology, emphasizing he would never intentionally share anything antisemitic.
His agent confirmed that once he understood the symbolism, Lineker removed the post immediately.
Despite this, groups like the Campaign Against Antisemitism called for the BBC to sever ties with him, arguing that enough was enough.
Gaza Documentary Dispute Earlier This Year
Back in February, Lineker was vocal in condemning the BBC’s removal of a documentary called Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone from iPlayer.
The documentary was narrated by a child whose father was connected to Hamas, causing the BBC to pull the film amid concerns.
Lineker criticized the decision, calling it a “capitulation” and stating that the broadcaster should not have admitted to errors in their editorial process.
Government officials, however, demanded the BBC address the issue to prevent such mistakes in the future.
The Israel Sports Ban Incident
In January 2024, Lineker accidentally retweeted a post calling for Israel to be banned from international sports events.
The tweet came from a pro-Palestinian boycott campaign and was widely misunderstood.
Lineker later explained he misread the message but faced severe backlash, including threats.
He lamented how polarized reactions had become, saying, “How could it be controversial to want peace?” He stressed that criticizing Hamas doesn’t mean being Islamophobic, nor does condemning Israel make one antisemitic—pointing out the toxic climate surrounding these debates.
Suspension Over Asylum Policy Comments
One of Lineker’s most notable clashes with the BBC happened in March 2023.
After tweeting that the government’s asylum policy language was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s,” he was temporarily suspended for breaching impartiality rules.
The BBC’s move sparked protests from fellow sports broadcasters, and Lineker eventually returned to Match of the Day.
He later said he didn’t regret speaking out but acknowledged that the fallout was greater than expected.
He criticized the BBC for what he called an “overreaction” that ultimately hurt the broadcaster’s reputation.
Tweets on Brexit and Immigration Stirring Debate
Lineker hasn’t shied away from controversial political topics.
In February 2023, he mocked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s renewed Brexit deal with a sarcastic tweet: “So we’re getting Brexit done… again.”
He also advocated for granting citizenship to illegal immigrants stuck in hotels, arguing against harsh treatment and right-wing abuse.
In the same month, he posted a critical comment about long customs queues in European airports post-Brexit, highlighting the daily inconveniences of the deal.
Criticism of World Cup Host Qatar and Political Comments
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Lineker was outspoken about the country’s human rights record and treatment of migrant workers.
He also publicly challenged then-Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s advice for LGBT+ fans to be “respectful” of Qatar’s laws, which criminalize homosexuality, by sarcastically asking, “Whatever you do, don’t do anything gay. Is that the message?”
Past BBC Impartiality Complaints and Other Rows
Lineker has faced several complaints over the years for his social media activity.
In 2022, the BBC upheld a complaint against him for a tweet about Conservative Party donations from Russia, which was deemed inconsistent with the broadcaster’s impartiality standards.
Earlier, in August 2022, a tweet criticizing politicians for allowing sewage dumping in the sea sparked debate over his role as a BBC presenter.
Clashes With Fellow Broadcasters Over Political Views
Going back to 2018, Lineker publicly criticized the Conservative Party on Twitter, leading to rebukes from colleagues like BBC cricket presenter Jonathan Agnew, who urged him to keep his political opinions private due to his status as “the face of BBC Sport.”
Lineker’s response was clear: he owns his Twitter account and will continue sharing his views, whether others agree or not.
Gary Lineker’s social media presence has evolved into a lightning rod for public and political debate.
His outspoken views have won him both supporters who admire his courage and critics who believe he should keep politics separate from his broadcasting role.
Now, as he steps away from the BBC, the discussion about the boundaries between journalism, personal expression, and impartiality continues—both for him and the wider media landscape.