Gary Lineker has revealed he was sacked by the BBC after being accused of sharing an anti-semitic post.
The former England striker left the broadcaster at the end of last season after 26 years presenting Match of the Day.
GettyLineker has lifted the lid on his abrupt BBC exit earlier this summer[/caption] GettyThe presenter was sacked by the broadcaster after being accused of anti-Semitism[/caption]He had announced he would be stepping down from the role this summer back in November.
It was previously planned for Lineker to continue to front the BBC’s FA Cup coverage during the 2025/26 campaign.
The 64-year-old would then depart after the end of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
However, it was abruptly announced in May that he would leave the broadcaster following the final Match of the Day episode of the season.
The news came after Lineker had apologised for reposting a pro-Gaza video on social media which likened supporters of Israel to rats.
Although it had been believed he had quit the BBC following the backlash, it has now been confirmed he was sacked.
Asked if he had quit or if he was sacked, Lineker told The New World: “The latter.”
Meanwhile, he denies being anti-semitic and says he would not have shared the video if he had seen the rat emoji.
Lineker added: “I missed it. I genuinely didn’t see it. I’m not an idiot. I may not have known it was an antisemitic trope, but I would have wondered why someone had put a rat there.
“I wouldn’t do that on purpose – it would be the biggest act of self-harm ever. It was a tough couple of days.
Lineker stepped down from his Match of the Day role at the end of the seasonBBC The former England striker has apologised for his social media post once moreGetty“People talked about me being anti-semitic. I’m not anti-any group of people. Any race, any colour. But I am anti the killing of children.
“I made a mistake and I immediately took it down and apologised, which I thought should have been enough.”
Why did Gary Lineker leave the BBC?
Lineker had signed a one-year extension to his BBC contract last year to keep him with the broadcaster until the end of next summer’s World Cup.
Although he would be stepping down from presenting Match of the Day, it had been planned for him to continue fronting their FA Cup coverage.
Meanwhile, Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman have succeeded him as hosts of the weekly Premier League highlights show.
The BBC confirmed in May that Lineker’s tenure would be ending early via a mutual agreement.
Their announcement came just days after he had apologised for sharing the pro-Gaza video.
At the time, Tim Davie, BBC Director-General said: “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.”
Lineker was paid around £1.35million-a-year as Match of the Day host.
It is understood he did not receive a payoff from the BBC following his departure.
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