Gary Lineker

[Sean_Nile]

Gary Lineker, a prominent BBC presenter and former England footballer, has been known for expressing strong political and social views on his personal social media accounts, which have often clashed with the BBC's impartiality guidelines. His outspoken commentary has led to several controversies and ultimately his departure from the BBC.

He has spoken out against asylum policies, the Qatar world cup, the troubles in Gaza.

The BBC acknowledged Lineker's significant contributions over more than two decades but emphasized the importance of upholding impartiality standards. His departure has sparked ongoing debates about the balance between personal expression and journalistic neutrality within publicly funded institutions.

[1964white]

A candidate for Twat of the Week.

[Chilli D]

I haven't seen what he posted so can't comment but it sounds like the woke brigade getting their way again

[Johnthewhite]

BBC used it to get a BIG salary off the books, IMO
Sure he will pop up somewhere else soon enough

[Sean_Nile]

I haven't seen what he posted so can't comment but it sounds like the woke brigade getting their way again

I always thought Gary was a commander in the woke brigade!!!

[CUSSIE01]

Yes. Another overpaid, pompous pri-k who the BBC were loathe to sack.

[Sean_Nile]

I haven't seen what he posted so can't comment.

Gary Lineker faced widespread backlash after sharing a controversial Instagram post on May 12, 2025. The post featured a video titled "Zionism explained in less than 2 mins," accompanied by a rat emoji. The rat imagery has historically been used in antisemitic propaganda, notably by Nazi Germany, leading to significant public outcry.

Upon realizing the offensive nature of the imagery, Lineker promptly deleted the post and issued a public apology. He stated that he had not noticed the rat emoji and emphasized that he would never knowingly share anything antisemitic, as it goes against everything he believes in.

[Irish Ian]

Always liked him, great player and interviewer and presenter.


But it seems you aren't allowed to have a social conscious if you are in the media.

He has outgrown the BBC anyhow.

[mentalcase]

I don't care about the complete prick, he's enough brass to retire and spend it on hundreds of thousands of illegals coming in should he wish to, but he won't will he, gobby twat.

[The Subhuman]

Always liked him, great player and interviewer and presenter.


But it seems you aren't allowed to have a social conscious if you are in the media.

He has outgrown the BBC anyhow.

Yep, superb host and analyst....

[billysboots]

I enjoyed his work on MOTD and the big tournaments, but I agree that has outgrown the job.

[Barlow Boy]

I don't care about the complete prick, he's enough brass to retire and spend it on hundreds of thousands of illegals coming in should he wish to, but he won't will he, gobby twat.

Not a fan then mate

[lufc1304]

Great presenter and analyst, him having a social conscience and speaking out against the genocide being perpetrated in Gaza didn't sit well with the BBC's whitewashing of the Isreali regime.

[GreennWhite]

He does seem to divide opinion but i always enjoyed listening to him and thought he was good at his job.

[Sean_Nile]

New episodes of Gary Lineker's podcast The Rest is Football will no longer appear on the BBC's audio streaming service after the presenter leaves the corporation in the wake of an antisemitism row.

The show, which is produced by Lineker's company Goalhanger Productions, will continue to be available elsewhere, but will have its last episode on BBC Sounds this week.

[mentalcase]

Not a fan then mate

Was once, thought he anchored manc of the day well, now I can't do with him and his leftie views, like so many on a podium, loves to spout shite.

[Muppet the Cat]

Always liked him, great player and interviewer and presenter.

But it seems you aren't allowed to have a social conscious if you are in the media.

He has outgrown the BBC anyhow.

Agree, Ian.

Don't really get the seeming strong dislike/hate of GL from some quarters. Whilst you can argue about and disagree with his political views, as a host/presenter etc of MotD and other footie related programmes I think he's really good.

[DDB220]

Agree, Ian.

Don't really get the seeming strong dislike/hate of GL from some quarters. Whilst you can argue about and disagree with his political views, as a host/presenter etc of MotD and other footie related programmes I think he's really good.

I also agree - really enjoy the MoTD podcasts with Richard’s and Shearer. I haven’t watch the weekend MoTD since we were relegated. I tend to watch match prem highlights on YT.

As for his BBC exit, I suspect he may have intentionally expedited that. He is no one’s fool and was more than happy to fall on his sword.

[Jaydog]

Gary Lineker what an extraordinary name.
Spitting Image I think.

[Orange Box]

Gary Lineker faced widespread backlash after sharing a controversial Instagram post on May 12, 2025. The post featured a video titled "Zionism explained in less than 2 mins," accompanied by a rat emoji. The rat imagery has historically been used in antisemitic propaganda, notably by Nazi Germany, leading to significant public outcry.

Upon realizing the offensive nature of the imagery, Lineker promptly deleted the post and issued a public apology. He stated that he had not noticed the rat emoji and emphasized that he would never knowingly share anything antisemitic, as it goes against everything he believes in.

Those rat emojis, they just crop up everywhere. Strangest thing though, I’ve been looking for one for ages, just can’t seem to find one.