Gary Lineker releases statement as he steps down from BBC with immediate effect

"I recognise the error and upset that I caused"

In a statement via BBC, the 64-year-old shared: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember - both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years.

"As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic - it goes against everything I stand for. However, 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."

Tim Davie, BBC director general, added: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.

"Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."

He replaced Des Lynam as the iconic football highlights show's anchor in 1999.

This breaking news of Lineker’s departure – although his contract finishes at the end of the current Premier League season on Sunday, May 25, he was expected to present coverage of the 2026 World Cup – comes in the wake of a social media shambles that saw him repost a video from the Palestine Lobby page titled 'Zionism explained in two minutes.'

The former England international footballer, who won the FA Cup with Tottenham Hotspur in 1991, failed to spot an illustration of a rat featured in the post, which holds historical links to Nazi Germany.

After deleting the video, Lineker's agent said in a statement: "Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post. Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed."