Gary Lineker apologises for ‘genuine mistake’ as BBC confirms early exit
Presenter Gary Lineker has issued an unreserved apology for a social media video he shared which led to his early exit from the BBC – as Downing Street branded the post “completely unacceptable”.
After this weekend’s Match Of The Day, Lineker, 64, will leave his presenting role at the BBC and will no longer front the corporation’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season.
In a video on Instagram, in which the presenter referenced a deleted post he had previously shared about Zionism that featured a picture of a rat, he said: “I would like once again to say I’m sorry, unreservedly, for the hurt and upset caused, it was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent, I know that.”
The BBC’s highest-paid presenter has headed up Match Of The Day since 1999 and had announced he would be leaving the programme last year at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.
His early departure, after 26 years at the BBC, came amid reports the corporation’s bosses considered his position “untenable”, according to BBC News.
Downing Street said Lineker had made a “significant contribution” to the BBC but it was important the broadcaster upholds the “highest standards”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Specifically in relation to the social media post by Gary Lineker, that was clearly completely unacceptable and it’s right that he’s apologised.
“Gary Lineker has obviously made a significant contribution to the BBC’s broadcasting over the last two decades and we obviously wish him the best.”
Lineker declined to answer questions as he left his south-west London home on Monday afternoon.
He ran from his front door to his car before driving away, refusing to