Gary Lineker issues public apology as he says he won’t work in football again after BBC exit

The 64-year-old will present his final episode of Match of the Day later this month

Lineker has issued a public apology days ahead of his Match of the Day exit

Gary Lineker has issued an “unreserved” public apology after sharing a social media post about Zionism that featured an image of a rat.

The Match of the Day presenter had shared a post from the group Palestine Lobby – entitled ‘Zionism explained in two minutes’ – on his Instagram story before deleting it on Tuesday. The post included an illustration of a rat, which has historically been used as an anti-semitic insult in reference to language used by Nazi Germany towards Jewish people.

In a statement, Lineker said he removed the post immediately after becoming aware of the issue, explaining: “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 anti-Semitic. 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,” he added. “That image does not reflect my views.

“It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”

The controversy comes as Lineker prepares to host his final ever episode of Match of the Day, having announced last year that he would be stepping away from the role at the end of the current season.

After 26 years of fronting the iconic Premier League highlights show, the former England striker will pass the baton to Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates next season, but won’t disappear from the BBC immediately.

The 64-year-old is scheduled to continue presenting the BBC’s live FA Cup broadcasts and will front coverage of his final ever World Cup when it is hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

However, Lineker has admitted that, after that tournament is wrapped up, he won’t keep working in football, while he is also set to feature on TV a lot less.

Discussing his upcoming departure from Match of the Day, Lineker told pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on the Rest is Football podcast: “Of course I know that [it’s my last show]. Do you know who the pundits are on that show? You boys!

“I did my last Saturday night at the weekend, because the final day of the season is played on a Sunday. Yeah, it’s the last one. The last time I will have that journey back at midnight. I won’t miss that part of it… but I will miss you boys!”

Asked by former Manchester City and England defender Richards whether he will keep working in football after leaving the BBC next year, Lineker responded: “No. I think, certainly, post World Cup final next year, I don’t think you’ll see me do much television.

“I might appear on a guest show or something like that. But I don’t think, football wise, I am going to do that anymore. I just want to go and watch football and enjoy it.”

The admission comes after Lineker told Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips podcast that he has switched his focus to his booming broadcasting company Goalhanger, which produces The Rest Is Football, The Rest Is Entertainment and The Rest Is Politics podcasts among others.

“We’ve got a podcast, a ‘Podcast empire’ we like to call it,” he said. “It’s amazing. So, I’m definitely focused on that now. Unless something… I really don’t envisage me doing TV much. Maybe, you know, occasional appearances on something.

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