Introduction
Gary Lineker said something that triggered a major controversy in mid-2025. He reposted a social media video about Zionism that included an image of a rat — a symbol with deep antisemitic connotations. When people saw that, they demanded answers. In response, Gary Lineker issued a full apology, called it a genuine mistake, and declared his intention to step down from Match of the Day and from active BBC presenting. In this blog, I explore exactly what Gary Lineker said, how he framed his apology, what he claimed, and how his statements relate to BBC values and public reaction.
What Gary Lineker Said: Key Quotes & Statements
Here are the main things Gary Lineker said about the incident:
“I very much regret these references.” He said he posted material that contained “offensive references” without meaning to.
“I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.” He emphasized his lifelong opposition to racism and antisemitism.
“On Instagram, I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references … That image does not reflect my views. It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.” He removed the post once he realised the issue.
“It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent.” He admitted he should have examined the material more carefully before sharing.
“I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.” He said stepping down from presenting duties after the season showed accountability.
Why What He Said Matters
1. BBC Impartiality and Social Media Policy
The BBC maintains rules that require its presenters, especially high‐profile ones, to avoid breaching impartiality or spreading content that could be interpreted as discriminatory. Lineker’s post came under criticism because many felt the video and_symbolism clashed with these rules.
2. Public Trust
People expect presenters to act responsibly with what they share. Lineker’s acknowledgment of fault and apology aimed to repair trust. When public figures misuse symbolic imagery, even unintentionally, audiences often demand transparency.
3. Personal Reputation vs Institutional Role
Lineker expressed pride in speaking out on humanitarian issues, but he also admitted that “how we do so matters.” He tried to balance his personal convictions (e.g. about Gaza, about Palestine, about minority rights) with his role as a BBC presenter.
4. Consequences
Because of the post and the backlash, Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the 2024-25 season. BBC leadership agreed he would “step back” from further presenting after that.
What He Also Said About Related Issues
Lineker clarified that he did not share the video with the intent to offend or to promote antisemitism.
He said he deeply cares about humanitarian issues and has always opposed racism, including antisemitism.
He also said he should have been more diligent before sharing. This frames the post as an oversight rather than deliberate wrongdoing.
Related Keywords Used
Zionism
public reaction
Additional extra keywords: antisemitism, apology, BBC social media policy, Match of the Day, controversy, humanitarian issues, presenter reputation, backlash.
FAQs
Q: Exactly what post did Gary Lineker share that caused the controversy?
A: He reshared an Instagram story from “Palestine Lobby” titled “Zionism explained in two minutes,” which featured an image of a rat — a symbol historically used in antisemitic propaganda.
Q: Did Gary Lineker apologise?
A: Yes. He apologised “unreservedly,” said he didn’t mean to share anything antisemitic, and took down the post once he learned of the offensive references.
Q: Did Lineker said he regrets the post?
A: Yes. He expressed regret for any upset caused, acknowledged his mistake, and said he should have been more careful.
Q: What did he say about leaving the BBC?
A: He and the BBC agreed he would step back from presenting after the 2024-25 season. He said stepping back felt like the responsible course of action given the situation.
Q: Did he say anything about his beliefs afterward?
A: Yes. He reaffirmed that he supports minorities, opposes all forms of racism, including antisemitism, and that his core beliefs do not align with sharing hateful symbols. He also emphasised the importance of how one expresses opinions on sensitive issues.
Trending SEO Tags:
what gary lineker said
Gary Lineker, what Gary Lineker said, Zionism controversy, BBC apology, public reaction, antisemitism, social media policy, Match of the Day exit, presenter responsibility, public figure controversies
https://manyviral.com/can-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-pass-the-senate/
You might to like read this blog
Leave a Reply