BBC rocked as top presenter steps down after controversial post
- Replies 3
Public figures often walk a fine line when it comes to what they share online.
A recent social media post by a prominent British broadcaster has triggered widespread backlash and prompted swift action from his employer.
The fallout has now led to a major shake-up at one of the BBC’s most recognisable programs.
Gary Lineker stepped down from his role at the BBC after facing criticism over a controversial social media post referencing Zionism.
The former footballer and long-time Match of the Day host had been due to leave the flagship program at the end of the season but was expected to continue presenting for the broadcaster, including at the next men’s FIFA World Cup.
However, the BBC confirmed he would exit the organisation entirely after the final episode of Match of the Day next weekend.
The 64-year-old had shared a post from a group called Palestine Lobby, which included a video titled ‘Zionism explained in two minutes’ and featured an image of a rat.
The use of rats in antisemitic propaganda has a long and disturbing history, most notoriously in Nazi Germany during the 1930s.
The image sparked backlash, with critics accusing the presenter of amplifying antisemitic content.
Lineker apologised and said he had reposted the content without realising it contained ‘offensive references’.
He said he removed it as soon as he understood the implications and added: ‘I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic.’
BBC director-general Tim Davie addressed the matter publicly.
‘Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made,’ Davie said.
‘Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.’
Davie had earlier emphasised the importance of staff upholding BBC standards on social media and said: ‘When someone makes a mistake, it costs us.’
The fallout from Lineker’s departure has sparked fiery debate across the media landscape, with tensions running high during live discussions.
Watch the heated exchange unfold in the video below.
Source: Youtube/talkSPORT
With Lineker’s departure marking a significant shift for the BBC, what do you think this means for the future of *Match of the Day*? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A recent social media post by a prominent British broadcaster has triggered widespread backlash and prompted swift action from his employer.
The fallout has now led to a major shake-up at one of the BBC’s most recognisable programs.
Gary Lineker stepped down from his role at the BBC after facing criticism over a controversial social media post referencing Zionism.
The former footballer and long-time Match of the Day host had been due to leave the flagship program at the end of the season but was expected to continue presenting for the broadcaster, including at the next men’s FIFA World Cup.
However, the BBC confirmed he would exit the organisation entirely after the final episode of Match of the Day next weekend.
Gary Lineker quits BBC amid controversy. Image source: Instagram/chexal
The 64-year-old had shared a post from a group called Palestine Lobby, which included a video titled ‘Zionism explained in two minutes’ and featured an image of a rat.
The use of rats in antisemitic propaganda has a long and disturbing history, most notoriously in Nazi Germany during the 1930s.
The image sparked backlash, with critics accusing the presenter of amplifying antisemitic content.
Lineker apologised and said he had reposted the content without realising it contained ‘offensive references’.
He said he removed it as soon as he understood the implications and added: ‘I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic.’
BBC director-general Tim Davie addressed the matter publicly.
‘Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made,’ Davie said.
‘Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.’
Davie had earlier emphasised the importance of staff upholding BBC standards on social media and said: ‘When someone makes a mistake, it costs us.’
The fallout from Lineker’s departure has sparked fiery debate across the media landscape, with tensions running high during live discussions.
Watch the heated exchange unfold in the video below.
Source: Youtube/talkSPORT
With Lineker’s departure marking a significant shift for the BBC, what do you think this means for the future of *Match of the Day*? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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