Just over a year ago, Gary Lineker’s temporary suspension from the BBC over an impartiality row sent shockwaves through British broadcasting.

Colleagues walked out. Public support flooded in.

But this time, following his full exit over a controversial social media post, the silence from many within the BBC has been deafening — and it’s speaking volumes.

While the 64-year-old football icon turned presenter is being widely celebrated by fans, campaign groups, and former colleagues, his current Match of the Day circle has been noticeably restrained.

Let’s break down what happened, how Lineker got here, and who’s publicly backing him now.

A Storm Over Social Media and a Sudden Goodbye

Lineker’s abrupt departure comes after he shared a social media post that included a controversial image — an illustration of a rat — while criticizing Zionism.

The image has historical associations with antisemitic propaganda and drew significant backlash.

Lineker issued an apology via video, but that didn’t stop the fallout.

The BBC confirmed he would step down after hosting Match of the Day this Sunday.

His roles in covering the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup have also been scrapped.

Public Support — But Quiet Colleagues

Among Match of the Day pundits, only Alan Shearer publicly responded, simply saying: “Thank you for everything.”

Other familiar faces like Micah Richards, Gabby Logan, Danny Murphy, Mark Chapman, and Alex Scott have so far remained silent.

According to reports, Lineker had grown distant from colleagues in recent weeks, with sources saying he was no longer speaking to some of them.

At Wembley last weekend, he reportedly ‘blanked’ BBC Sport boss Alex Kay-Jelski.

Former Colleagues and Celebs Rally Behind Lineker

Though BBC insiders may be keeping their distance, others have been more vocal.

Richard Bacon, former Blue Peter host: “Gary Lineker is a brave and principled man. He cares deeply about children being starved by Netanyahu… His views are in line with Amnesty.”
Sangita Myska, former BBC Radio 4 host: “Gary Lineker’s biggest ‘error’ was caring about the ongoing slaughter of children in Gaza and calling it that publicly.”
DJ Spoony (Radio 2): “You’ll look back and be proud of your career.”
Lord Sugar: “See you on Sky or TNT, Gary.”
Rio Ferdinand: Shared a GOAT emoji, jokingly adding, “See you soon!”

Personal Support: From His Ex-Wife to Comedians

Lineker’s ex-wife, Danielle Bux, posted a heartfelt tribute, calling him “one of the most decent, honorable human beings I know.”

John Bishop, comedian: “You leave a great legacy as a player, presenter, and a man.”
Iwan Thomas, athlete and broadcaster: “Without doubt one of, if not the BEST broadcasters of my generation.”
Narinder Kaur: “He made one mistake, a genuine mistake. He’s apologised. Let him move on. He’s now free from the shackles of the BBC.”
Ashley James: “You’re such a voice for good… the last week must have been incredibly tough.”

Groups Step In: Kneecap, PSC, and the Muslim Council of Britain

Several organisations — some controversial — praised Lineker’s stance on Palestine and human rights:

Kneecap, a republican Irish rap group often accused of glorifying the IRA, responded to his apology with a row of clapping emojis.
Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Called his departure “a shameful moment for the publicly funded broadcaster.”
Muslim Council of Britain: Thanked him “for being a voice for the voiceless.”

Behind the BBC Curtain: A Power Struggle?

There’s more going on behind the scenes. Former BBC journalist Jon Sopel claims on his News Agents podcast that Lineker’s sacking came after BBC Chairman Samir Shah allegedly pressured Director General Tim Davie to take action — or risk being ousted himself.

According to Sopel, Shah saw the incident as a “line in the sand” after ongoing concerns about impartiality and BBC editorial decisions around Gaza coverage.

Shah was reportedly furious over a previous documentary where the son of a Hamas chief was chosen as narrator, and Lineker’s Instagram post tipped the scales.

One BBC insider reportedly told Sopel: “There is no way we can put up with this any longer.” Another staffer said the broadcaster was shocked by Lineker’s apology, describing it as “as rare as hen’s teeth.”

The BBC, however, denies Sopel’s claims, calling them “utter nonsense.”

A Stark Contrast to 2023’s Walkout

In March 2023, Lineker faced a brief suspension over comments criticizing the government’s asylum policy.

That time, BBC pundits and presenters staged a major walkout in solidarity.

Ian Wright and Alan Shearer refused to appear on air, leading to a rare, stripped-back version of Match of the Day with no studio host or commentary.

This time, the tone is much more subdued. No mass walkouts. No commentator exodus.

Just a few quiet farewells — and an air of tension around the BBC.

What Comes Next for Lineker?

Though his BBC era is ending with controversy, Lineker’s next chapter seems all but guaranteed.

With supporters like Lord Sugar and Rio Ferdinand hinting at moves to broadcasters like Sky or TNT, it seems he won’t be off our screens for long.

He leaves behind a storied legacy — not just as a football legend or an award-winning presenter, but as a public figure unafraid to speak out, even at personal cost.

Whether you agree with him or not, one thing’s clear: Gary Lineker’s voice is not going quiet anytime soon.