Gary Lineker leaves BBC following Pro-Palestinian post

Gary Lineker is set to step away from the BBC amid controversy, after hosting Match of the Day for 25 years.

This development follows the 64-year-old sharing an online post in support of Palestine, which included an image of a rat. The photo was viewed by many as having anti-Semitic connotations because of its historical context.

While Lineker deleted the post and apologised, stating it was unintentional, the BBC is reportedly under significant pressure.

According to media reports, senior officials argued that Lineker had breached the corporation’s impartiality rules, even though the content was shared via his personal social media account.

The former England footballer is now expected to leave after the Premier League season ends on Sunday.

He had previously planned to remain with the broadcaster until the 2026 World Cup, but the current controversy has altered the circumstances of his departure.

Many believe he is being penalised for expressing support for Palestinian rights. Similar cases have emerged in other countries, where individuals have lost jobs or faced backlash for speaking out in favour of Palestine.

Lineker has long been praised for making football shows relatable and engaging, but his sudden departure has upset many.

Support for him is growing online. Fans, former players, and journalists have used hashtags like #IStandWithLineker and #LetLinekerSpeak to express solidarity and condemn what is being perceived as a crackdown on free expression.