When the debate over impartiality at the BBC flared up again, few expected Gary Lineker to be at the center of it.
But the former England captain has once again found himself under fire—this time for sharing a pro-Palestine video on Instagram that used a rat emoji, sparking accusations of echoing Nazi propaganda.
Lineker Shares—and Deletes—Controversial Video
On Sunday evening, Lineker, 64, posted an Instagram Story featuring a clip from the group Palestine Lobby.
The video showed Canadian-Palestinian lawyer Diana Buttu criticizing Israel’s military actions, overlaid with a rat emoji on screen throughout.
Viewers quickly pounced on the imagery: rat motifs have historically been used in anti-Semitic propaganda, fueling outrage online.
By Monday afternoon, Lineker’s team had removed the Story—but the backlash had already begun.
Jewish Groups Demand BBC Action
Several Jewish organizations wasted no time condemning the post.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism called it “a deliberate misrepresentation of Zionism” and demanded the BBC cut ties with Lineker.
Board of Deputies of British Jews echoed that sentiment, saying Lineker’s continued presence on BBC payroll was “disgraceful” given the offense caused by the rat emoji.
Former BBC Executives Speak Out
Even past BBC insiders weighed in. Danny Cohen, former Director of BBC Television, described the video as “utterly grim” and urged BBC Director General Tim Davie to clarify whether such content is acceptable from a flagship presenter.
With the World Cup on the horizon—where Lineker is set to present—critics say the corporation can’t afford to look the other way.
Lineker’s History of Political Posting
This isn’t Lineker’s first brush with controversy over social media.
He’s been vocal about Gaza and previously urged sports bodies to ban Israel from competition—comments that sparked accusations of breaching the BBC’s impartiality rules.
Lineker has defended himself, saying he helped draft the BBC’s social media guidelines and believes he stays within the rules.
BBC Points to Its Social Media Policy
In response to the firestorm, a BBC spokesperson highlighted the corporation’s updated 2023 “Personal Use of Social Media” guidelines, suggesting Lineker did not violate its terms.
But many remain unconvinced, arguing the BBC must act swiftly or risk further damage to its reputation.
Public Reaction Heats Up Online
Social media users joined the fray, blasting both Lineker and the BBC.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Lineker’s rat imagery is straight-up Nazi rhetoric.
Why does the BBC tolerate this?” Others questioned whether Lineker would dare explain his choice to hostages’ families, while some lamented that the corporation’s standards seem different when it comes to Jews.
What’s Next for Lineker and the BBC?
As complaints roll in—from legal bodies to outraged fans—the BBC must decide how to respond.
With the World Cup looming and Lineker’s profile at its peak, the corporation faces a delicate balancing act: defend its social media policy or take a stand against content widely condemned as hateful.
Either way, the controversy is far from over.