Gary Lineker apologises for “antisemitic” post

Football pundit Gary Lineker has “apologised unreservedly” for a social media re-post which featured a picture of a rat saying he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic”.

The TV presenter, 64, came under criticism after he shared, then deleted, a post on his Instagram account from the group, Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, titled: “Zionism explained in two minutes.”

A statement given to the PA news agency said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.

“I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.

“The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.

“Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.

“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.”

Rats, linked to disease and dirt, have been used to represent Jews in antisemitic propaganda throughout history, including by the Nazis in 1930s Germany.

During his playing career, Lineker is the only player to have been the top goalscorer in England with three clubs: Leicester City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.

He played for England 80 times.

Speaking earlier on Wednesday, the director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster’s social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.

Lineker’s agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image’s symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.

Tim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC’s rules.

Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.

“And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”

Despite Lineker’s apology, the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) has called for the presenter to be sacked by the corporation, saying: “The BBC has turned a blind eye for too long, it is long past time for him to go, and he must go now.”

Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.

He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.