GARY Lineker has “apologised unreservedly” after sharing a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.
The outgoing Match of the Day host sparked fury over the Instagram post, which has since been deleted.
GettyGary Lineker has ‘apologised unreservedly’ for an offensive Instagram post[/caption]
A rat has been used as an anti-Semitic insult referring to language used by Nazi Germany to characterise Jewish people.
The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza with the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes.”
In a 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.
“The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.
“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.
“I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.
“It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”
The director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster’s social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.
Tim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC’s rules.
Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.
“And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”
Lineker’s agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image’s symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.
Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.
He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.
Last November Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day, but will still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.
He is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.
GettyGary Lineker released a statement following accusations of anti-Semitism[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
