Gary Lineker is a man in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons once again, with the 64-year-old forced to apologise for sharing an anti-Semitic post on social media.
The Match of the Day host, who will depart the programme following Sunday's broadcast, shared a video to his Instagram story containing offensive references to Zionism.
His antics have sparked a huge backlash, with many associated with the Jewish community calling for the BBC to axe him for good.
While the former England striker is leaving MOTD, he's set to keep working for the BBC until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Gary Lineker is a man in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons once again, with the 64-year-old forced to apologise for sharing an anti-Semitic post on social media
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Lineker has apologised for his actions, saying: "I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views."
A spokesman for the presenter added: "Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post."
They also said that Lineker 'immediately deleted the video after learning of the symbolic meaning'.
Given the presenter's huge BBC salary, and outspoken nature, there's always going to be extra attention paid to how he conducts himself compared to others.
He is the Beeb's best-paid presenter, with the broadcaster paying him a staggering £1.35million anually after he signed a new deal in 2020.
Before that, the ex-Tottenham, Barcelona and Leicester striker was paid even more.
Lineker previously pocketed £1.75m every 12 months and he earns considerably more than Radio 2's Zoe Ball, who is paid between £950,000-£954,999.
That salary from the BBC has helped the former footballer accumulate a net worth of around £30m.
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Gary Lineker has deleted a controversial post about Israel on InstagramINSTAGRAMIn addition to his BBC wage, Lineker also rakes in the money from his Rest is Football podcast.
Meanwhile, the MOTD host recently fired a parting shot at the Beeb as he prepares to depart - by insisting he's in his prime years of presenting.
“I think I’m a better presenter now than I’ve ever been," he said.
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“I know everything that can go wrong, and everything that can go right. Which is a good time to go.”
Lineker was then told that it sounds like a bad time to go. He responded, however, with a little dig at the BBC.
"There wasn’t a great desire to give me another three-year contract," he added.
Gary Lineker has been the BBC's highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years
GettyLineker will be replaced by three individuals on MOTD.
Kelly Cates is one of them, having made her name while working for Sky Sports.
Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, who are long-time BBC staples, will also take over presenting duties - with all three people set to share the role.
