Gary Lineker has confirmed he will leave the BBC after presenting his final episode of Match of the Day on Sunday.
The 64-year-old had been expected to front future coverage of the FA Cup and World Cup, but was criticised last week after sharing a social media post about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic insult.
In a statement on Monday, Lineker reiterated that he didn’t know about the post’s antisemitic connotations, adding that he “recognises the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am”.
He added: “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
The presenter has previously attracted criticism for his social media posts, but the latest example was thought to be the last straw for bosses, who considered his position untenable, the BBC’s culture and media editor Katie Razzall said.
The BBC’s director general Tim Davie, said in a statement: “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.”
