Gary Lineker has issued an unreserved apology after sharing an Instagram story containing offensive references to Zionism that included an image of a rat. The Match of the Day presenter acknowledged his mistake and swiftly removed the post.
"I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views," Lineker stated.
The controversial post, which has since been deleted from Lineker's Instagram story, sparked immediate outrage among Jewish organisations.
The footage shared by Lineker featured content from the group Palestine Lobby and included a cartoon image of a rat alongside criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza.
Gary Lineker's has come under fire after his social media post
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In his statement, Lineker said: "On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. I very much regret these references."
"I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in," he continued.
The BBC presenter emphasised that the post was "removed as soon as I became aware of the issue."
Lineker also addressed his views on humanitarian issues, stating: "Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters."
He concluded his statement by reiterating: "It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly."
The use of rat imagery has particularly disturbing historical connotations in this context, which explains the swift backlash.
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Rats were regularly used as dehumanising tropes by Nazi Germany to depict Jewish people in propaganda.
This historical association is why many Jewish organisations view the emoji's use alongside criticism of Israel as deeply offensive.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism highlighted this issue, stating: "Not only does this video deliberately misrepresent Zionism - the belief that Jews have the same right to self-determination as everyone else - but it adds a rat emoji in doing so."
The organisation questioned why Lineker "keeps sharing content on social media that seems to cater to Jew-haters."
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Gary Lineker has deleted a controversial post about Israel on InstagramINSTAGRAMThe Board of Deputies condemned Lineker's actions in strong terms, calling for immediate action from the BBC.
"The BBC has allowed the situation with Gary Lineker to continue for far too long," a spokesperson said.
They specifically referenced the offensive nature of the post, stating: "He has caused great offence with this video particularly with his egregious use of a rat emoji to illustrate Zionists."
The organisation explicitly called for his immediate dismissal rather than allowing a planned departure.
Barrister Simon Myerson KC, who chairs the Leeds Jewish Representative Council, also weighed in, questioning whether Lineker would "have the guts to explain this to Emily Damari", a hostage captured by Hamas.
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Gary Lineker sparked fresh controversy after sharing an Instagram video containing what critics have called an "anti-semitic" rat emoji, with the 64-year-old pleading ignorance on the matter
GETTYWith Lineker set to leave his Match Of The Day hosting duties at the end of this month's Premier League season, the controversy has intensified calls for the BBC to act immediately.
Jewish organisations have urged the broadcaster to dismiss Lineker rather than allowing him to depart on his own terms.
"BBC should ask him to leave now rather than allowing him to dictate his own terms," the Board of Deputies spokesperson emphasised.
The incident has renewed pressure on the BBC regarding its handling of high-profile presenters and their social media activities.
Critics argue that permitting Lineker to complete his planned departure sends the wrong message about the seriousness of sharing content with antisemitic connotations.
