The BBC has been accused of giving Gary Lineker a “hero’s farewell” by allowing him to present the final Match of the Day, after confirming his early exit from the broadcaster.
The corporation’s highest-paid star was unable to save his job after he shared an Instagram post about Zionism that included a drawing of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic insult.
Announcing his exit, Lineker apologised “unreservedly” again, and said it was “best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether and not do next season’s FA Cup or World Cup”.
His exit was the result of tense discussions with BBC bosses, amid fears that the 64-year-old’s departure could lead to a walkout ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup Final if he simply left without an agreement, according to insiders.
Davie concluded that the “rat” post, a breach of the BBC’s social media rules which caused deep offence to staff, was “the final straw” after years of controversy over Lineker’s increasingly provocative political interventions, a source said.
There were calls for Lineker to be suspended immediately, despite the presenter’s apology and statement that he would never consciously share anything antisemitic. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the social media post was “unacceptable” and that “it’s right that he’s apologised”.
With the FA Cup Final days away, bosses could not risk a repeat of the 2023 walk-out of pundits including Alan Shearer, who refused to work following Lineker’s suspension over tweets criticising the Conservative government’s immigration policy. Their actions then forced Match of the Day to be broadcast without presenters or pundits.
BBC staff angry at ‘hero’s welcome’
However, some staff are angry that Director-General Tim Davie hailed Lineker as “a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC” in the departure statement but made no mention of antisemitism or the offence caused to Jewish employees.
“Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made,” Davie said in the statement.
Some have compared his departure to a football manager who left “by mutual consent”.
One BBC staffer said: “It’s not just about the rat, the video itself contained antisemitic tropes and yet it seems like BBC bosses have done the bare minimum of damage limitation. As a Jewish member of staff, that feels like a betrayal.”
Danny Cohen, the former BBC director of Television, said: “The BBC have made the right decision to part ways with Gary Lineker, but he should not be allowed a final swansong this weekend (presenting Match of the Day). And why the BBC’s statement does not even mention antisemitism is hard to understand.”
Leo Pearlman, chief executive of Gavin & Stacey producer Fulwell Entertainment, said the BBC “effectively offering him a hero’s farewell… sends an appalling message to the Jewish community”.
The i Paper understands that senior BBC figures, including Head of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski, who is Jewish, have held discussions with staff to discuss their concerns.
In an email to staff, Kay-Jelski wrote: “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.
“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.”
Gary Lineker outside his home in London after announcing he is leaving the BBC prematurely (PA)This year’s FA Cup Final was of particular importance for Davie, a lifelong Crystal Palace fan who watched his team win the Wembley showpiece from the Royal Box.
An insider with knowledge of the discussions between Lineker and management said: “2023 did not go well. If this went wrong there was a possibility that the FA Cup Final enjoyed by millions of viewers could have been threatened.”
The difference this time was that Lineker had apologised and deleted the post. Friends said he was furious with himself for not spotting the “rat” and its significance.
A recent BBC workplace culture review, endorsed by Davie, had said there could no longer be “untouchable” figures whose actions tarnish the BBC’s wider reputation.
The insider said: “The Director-General was clear that the outcome would be Gary leaving. The rat post was just the last straw. Everyone has to follow the rules. But getting there was not straightforward.
“The departure announcement would be held until after the FA Cup Final and be by mutual agreement. Gary would present his final Match of the Day next Sunday and there would be no walk-out this time. Getting the right outcome was the most important thing.”
Lineker will not receive a pay-off when he leaves, with his departure not subject to any financial settlement agreement. Another source said: “There is no more work for Gary next season, so he will not be paid. It’s a clear sign that no-one is bigger than the BBC.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie praised Lineker’s career but said he was leaving the BBC after this weekend’s Match of the Day (Photo: Hannah McKay/Reuters)Lineker’s waning support
Insiders said recent interviews given by Lineker, in which he said the BBC should not be “impartial” about Gaza and disparaged Kay-Jelski – who plans to revamp MoTD – saying he had “no television experience” had cost the star support among colleagues.
Lineker’s exit was welcomed by many in the BBC Newsroom. One senior figure said: “There was unalloyed joy. Gary was showboating whilst the less overpaid have to follow the rules. The epitome of ‘check your privilege.’”
Lineker’s criticism of the BBC’s impartiality rules in a prime-time interview with Amol Rajan was particularly poorly received by executives, the figure said.
The presenter is expected to receive lucrative offers to front live football from international broadcasters, including those based in the US and Middle East. He may end up working at the World Cup for a rival platform to the BBC – though TV insiders believe ITV would be wary of the baggage Lineker now brings.
Lineker has said he would focus on his highly successful Goalhanger podcast production business, when he leaves the BBC.
One BBC figure said: “It’s sad because as a live sports presenter Gary is still at the top of his game. Take the rat post out of the equation, there are also millions of viewers who agree with Gary about Gaza and will not like this decision. The BBC is under fire whatever it does but on this occasion Gary has only himself to blame.”
Jane Lush, ex-Controller of BBC Entertainment and a former BAFTA Chair, told The i Paper: “No person, however popular, is bigger or more important than the BBC. I say this as the person who personally fired Angus Deayton from Have I Got News For You.
“When many predicted it would see the demise of the programme, 23 years later the show is going as strongly as ever.
“The lesson the BBC should learn is that they cannot allow anyone – however well-known or influential – to damage their reputation in this way again.”
Representatives for Lineker were approach for comment. The BBC declined to add anything to the departure statement.
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