Gary Lineker Returns to Present FA Cup Final at Wembley After Apologizing for Offensive Social Media Content

Gary Lineker has found himself at the center of controversy recently after sharing a social media post that sparked serious backlash.

Despite the uproar, the veteran sports presenter has made his way back to television screens, continuing his work with the BBC while tensions linger behind the scenes.

The Social Media Storm That Shook Lineker’s Reputation

It all began when Lineker, well-known for hosting Match of the Day, shared a pro-Palestine video on Instagram that included imagery widely regarded as offensive — specifically, the use of a rat symbol that many saw as an anti-Semitic slur.

This stirred immediate outrage, especially from parts of the Jewish community, given the painful history of such imagery dating back to Nazi propaganda in the 1930s.

Lineker was quick to respond, removing the post and issuing a heartfelt apology.

At 64, he insisted he “would never knowingly share anything anti-Semitic,” explaining that the image did not reflect his views and that sharing it was a genuine mistake.

Lineker’s Position at the BBC Remains Uncertain

While Lineker is set to step down as the presenter of Match of the Day at the end of the current season, he is still scheduled to cover the FA Cup next season as well as the 2026 World Cup.

This Saturday, he returned to present the FA Cup final from Wembley alongside football legend Wayne Rooney.

However, insiders say some BBC staff are frustrated with him over the controversy.

One source told The Times that staff were “annoyed” after the incident, and Lineker himself feels disappointed.

There’s a lingering question about what the future holds for him at the corporation beyond these commitments.

A History of Speaking Out and Past Controversies

This isn’t the first time Lineker has made headlines for his outspoken views.

Previously, he faced criticism for comparing UK government rhetoric on immigration to Nazi Germany’s language — a remark that led to a brief BBC suspension, which was later lifted after widespread support from colleagues.

He has also been vocal about the situation in Gaza, describing the violence as “beyond depraved” and criticizing international support for arms supplies to the region.

Despite his willingness to speak on such humanitarian crises, this latest episode marks a rare occasion where he publicly apologised for content he shared.

Tensions Rise Over Comments About BBC Leadership

Adding to the turmoil, Lineker recently appeared to criticize the BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, suggesting that Kay-Jelski wants to “change Match of the Day a bit” and casting doubt on his TV experience.

This remark, coming so soon after the social media fallout, has raised eyebrows internally.

One BBC insider described the combination of the rat emoji controversy and the comments about Kay-Jelski as potentially “lethal,” warning it has increased tensions in the BBC’s Media City base in Salford.

Another source noted that while Kay-Jelski might lack television experience, he’s supported by a team of seasoned professionals, and that Lineker’s recent behaviour is starting to “wear a bit thin” among staff.

BBC Leadership Responds to the Situation

BBC Director-General Tim Davie addressed the controversy during a speech, emphasizing that everyone at the corporation is responsible for upholding its reputation.

He stressed the importance of staff following social media guidelines and being “exemplars of BBC values,” noting that mistakes like these come at a cost to the organization.