Gary Lineker to leave BBC in wake of social media controversy
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Gary Lineker to leave BBC after Instagram video
- Gary Lineker is leaving the BBC after 26 years, following a controversy over a social media post.
- Lineker apologised after sharing a pro-Palestine Instagram video which featured a picture of a rat, saying he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic”.
- He then did an interview where he criticised Israel's response to the October terrorist attacks, further fueling the controversy.
- This incident reignited tensions with the BBC regarding impartiality guidelines, ultimately leading to his departure.
- Lineker's exit comes despite previous plans to continue hosting some BBC football coverage, including the 2026 World Cup.