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4w ago

Gary Lineker Faces BBC Pressure Over Antisemitic Post as 2026 World Cup Role Hangs in Balance

The BBC has yet to take action after Lineker apologized for sharing a pro-Palestine video with a rat emoji, as Jewish groups and staff demand his removal from upcoming broadcasts.

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Gary Lineker is understood to be on the brink of leaving the BBC (Photo: Getty)
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A billboard erected by the far-right Swiss People's Party in 2012 depicting Italian migrant workers and Roma as rats eating Swiss cheese

Overview

  • Gary Lineker apologized after sharing an Instagram post featuring a rat emoji, widely recognized as an antisemitic trope, and deleted the content following backlash.
  • Jewish advocacy groups and BBC staff have called for Lineker's removal from the FA Cup final and 2026 World Cup coverage, citing repeated breaches of impartiality rules.
  • BBC Director-General Tim Davie emphasized the importance of staff adhering to the broadcaster's values and social media policies but has not announced further action against Lineker.
  • Lineker, who is stepping down from Match of the Day at the end of the season, remains contracted to host the BBC's 2026 World Cup coverage despite mounting criticism.
  • The controversy has reignited debates over the balance between personal political expression and the impartiality expected of high-profile BBC presenters.