After a tense week of public scrutiny, Gary Lineker returned to TV screens on Saturday to host the FA Cup final—his first appearance since facing a major backlash over a controversial Instagram post that many condemned as anti-Semitic.
The long-time BBC sports presenter has been at the center of a storm, both outside and inside the corporation, and many are wondering how much longer his broadcasting career with the BBC will last.
The Instagram Post That Sparked Outrage
The controversy began when Lineker shared a now-deleted Instagram story containing a pro-Palestine video.
The post reportedly included a slur historically used in Nazi propaganda against Jews, prompting significant backlash from parts of the Jewish community.
Lineker, 64, swiftly apologized, calling the post a “mistake” and insisting that he would “never knowingly share anything anti-Semitic.” He added, “That image does not reflect my views.”
The apology, though sincere, hasn’t fully calmed the tensions—especially within the BBC itself.
BBC Colleagues Reportedly Frustrated Behind the Scenes
According to insiders, the incident has not gone over well at the BBC.
One source told The Times that many within the organization are “annoyed” with Lineker and feel the post has created unnecessary disruption.
“He’s hosting the Cup Final this weekend but beyond that we don’t know,” the source said, adding that Lineker himself is also upset over the situation.
A Complicated Relationship With Controversy
This isn’t Lineker’s first brush with controversy. Back in 2023, he refused to apologize for comparing government rhetoric around immigration to that of Nazi Germany, a comment that led to his brief suspension from the BBC.
However, that suspension was lifted quickly when several colleagues staged a walkout in his defense.
His recent apology came on Wednesday, when he publicly acknowledged his mistake, saying:
“On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references… I take full responsibility for this mistake.
That image does not reflect my views. It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”
Strong Opinions on Gaza Continue to Stir Debate
In an interview with The Telegraph this week, Lineker remained vocal about the situation in Gaza, describing it as “beyond depraved.”
He criticized the UK’s ongoing arms support to Israel and suggested that the Israeli occupation would inevitably lead to “massive problems.”
Lineker has been known for speaking out on humanitarian issues, but some critics say his messaging has become increasingly controversial, especially within the BBC’s strict impartiality framework.
The Countdown to His BBC Exit Is On
Lineker has already announced that he’ll step down from Match of the Day at the end of this season, ending a 26-year run as host.
However, he’s still expected to front the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup next season and the 2026 World Cup in North America—unless tensions within the BBC change that.
There are whispers that an early departure could be in the cards.
Some senior BBC sources have hinted that his position is now “tenuous,” and others feel that “another year starts to feel like a really long time.”
Tensions Rise Over Comments About BBC’s New Leadership
Fuel was added to the fire earlier this week when Lineker appeared to take a swipe at BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, who took the role last year.
In an interview, Lineker remarked, “He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day a bit… I don’t see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights.”
Lineker also questioned Kay-Jelski’s lack of TV experience, suggesting he was pushing for more journalists to be featured on the program—comments that didn’t go unnoticed by BBC staff.
Insiders Say Morale at BBC Sport Has Taken a Hit
At BBC Sport’s base in Salford’s Media City, the mood has reportedly soured.
Staff are frustrated not only by the social media fallout but also by Lineker’s recent remarks about internal leadership. One insider said:
“Gary’s behaviour is starting to wear a bit thin.
We’ve got enough to be getting on with without this kind of drama.”
Others suggested that Lineker’s comments about Kay-Jelski crossed a line:
“That is being seen as a real dig at the head of sport, which you just don’t do… coming so soon after the social media controversy makes it a real problem for him.”
BBC Director-General Speaks Out on the Situation
Tim Davie, the BBC’s director-general, was asked directly whether Lineker had breached the broadcaster’s social media policies.
While he didn’t name names, he made it clear that high-profile figures must act as “exemplars” of BBC values.
“The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone,” Davie said. “When someone makes a mistake, it costs us.
We absolutely need people to follow our social media policies—simple as that.”
A Shaky Path Ahead for One of the BBC’s Biggest Names
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Gary Lineker’s future at the BBC is more uncertain than ever.
With internal tensions rising, public reaction split, and management keeping a watchful eye, this latest controversy might be one too many.
Whether Lineker will make it to the 2026 World Cup broadcast or bow out early remains to be seen. But for now, he’s back on air—and walking a very fine line.