Gary Lineker dealt extra blow after early BBC exit in antisemitism row
Gary Lineker has reportedly been dealt an extra blow after his shock exit from the BBC. The presenter had stood down from his duties on Match Of The Day and was expected to host the World Cup coverage.
He will now present his final show at the weekend after his now-deleted Instagram post was criticised as anti-Semitic. He shared a post from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).
Now it has been confirmed that Gary is standing down from his role with the BBC and his last episode of Match of The Day will be this weekend, and he will not present the World Cup coverage either.
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said of the decision ahead of Gary's final show: "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. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."
Gary Lineker also issued a stement, where he said stepping back felt like the "responsible course of action".
" Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years," he said.
"As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
However, it has now been revealed that Gary will face a second blow. It seems as though the licensing deal for the Goalhanger titles, The Rest Is Football and The Rest Is History, will also end this year.
An email sent to BBC Sport staff was also revealed shortly after his departure was announced. Alex Kay-Jelski, the director of sport, wrote to staff: "You will have seen in the past few minutes that Gary Lineker will be leaving the BBC at the end of the current football season... I appreciate the last week has been difficult and emotional for many of you. Thank you for all the messages and conversations, even if some of them weren't easy to have. And I hope you understand that I had to wait until now to tell you the news.
"It is sad to be saying goodbye to such a brilliant broadcaster and I also want to thank Gary for his years of service. As ever, if you have questions, you know where I am. Let's finish the season strongly with Gary's final show, enjoy an incredible summer of sport and look forward with excitement to what lies ahead."
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