Gary Lineker has issued an apology after sharing an Instagram story about Zionism.
The image in question was shared from the group Palestine Lobby, which read: ‘Zionism explained in two minutes’ and featured an illustration of a rat.
The image of a rat has been historically antisemitic and used to characterise Jewish people, particularly in Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
Lineker, 64, quickly deleted the image and has now released an apology: ‘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.’
Lineker’s agent informed the BBC that the presenter immediately deleted the post when he was informed about the image’s symbolism.
Lineker’s agent said: ‘Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post.
‘Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed.’
The charity Campaign Against Antisemitism has said they are submitting a complaint to the BBC.
The group shared the screenshot of Lineker’s post with the caption: ‘Nothing to see here. Just Gary Lineker’s Instagram account sharing an anti-Israel video misrepresenting Zionism, complete with a rat emoji.’
There have been growing calls from Antisemitism groups to have Lineker removed from the BBC.
Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row.
The row concerned comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.
Lineker was also among 500 other celebrities and 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.
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On Wednesday, the director general of the BBC, Tim Davie, was asked about the row involving Lineker’s post and if he had broken the BBC rules.
‘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,’ he replied.
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