Gary Lineker's 'Hero's Farewell' Ignites Anger Within BBC

The BBC has faced accusations of providing Gary Lineker A "warrior's send-off" by having him deliver the concluding remarks. Match of the Day, after confirming his early exit from the broadcaster.

The top-earning celebrity of the company couldn't retain their position after sharing an Instagram post about Zionism which featured a sketch of a rat, traditionally employed as an antisemitic slur.

In announcing his departure, Lineker offered an unqualified apology once more, stating that "it would be best for everyone involved if I resign from my roles as a BBC presenter and refrain from covering future events such as the upcoming FA Cup and 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.

The "rat" post was deemed by Davie as the “last straw,” breaching the BBC’s social media guidelines and deeply offending employees, following years of disputes related to Lineker’s progressively contentious political comments, according to a source.

Calls were made for Lineker to face immediate suspension even after the presenter apologized and stated that he would never intentionally share content with antisemitic undertones. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson indicated that the social media post was "inappropriate" and acknowledged his apology as appropriate.

As the FA Cup Final approaches, managers are wary of repeating the events from 2023 when several pundits, such as Alan Shearer, staged a walkout. This happened after they declined to participate in their roles following Gary Lineker’s suspension due to his critical tweets about the Conservative Party's stance on immigration policies. The situation led to these professionals taking drastic measures. Match of the Day to air with neither hosts nor commentators.

BBC employees upset over 'red carpet reception'

Nonetheless, certain personnel are upset because Director General Tim Davie praised Lineker as "a key figure in BBC football coverage" in the exit announcement, without acknowledging the antisemitism concerns or the distress this caused among Jewish workers.

"Gary has admitted to the error he committed," stated Davie in the release.

Others have likened his exit to that of a football coach leaving "through mutual agreement."

A BBC employee commented, "This isn’t only about the rat; the footage also included antisemitic stereotypes. It appears as though the higher-ups at BBC have taken minimal action to contain the damage. Being a Jewish team member, this treatment feels like an act of betrayal."

Danny Cohen, the ex-BBC Director of Television, stated: "The BBC has made the correct choice in severing ties with Lineker, however, they shouldn’t permit him a farewell appearance this coming weekend (while presenting)." Match of the Day) And why the BBC’s statement doesn’t even address antisemitism is difficult to comprehend."

Leo Pearlman, who leads the CEO role at Gavin & Stacey The producer at Fulwell Entertainment stated that the BBC "basically giving him a heroic send-off... conveys a terrible message to the Jewish community."

The i Paper acknowledges that high-ranking BBC officials, such as sports chief Alex Kay-Jelski, who identifies as Jewish, have engaged in conversations with employees to address their worries.

In an email to employees, Kay-Jelski stated: "I understand that the past week has been challenging and emotionally taxing for numerous individuals here. I am grateful for all your messages and discussions, despite the fact that some were not simple to engage in."

It’s unfortunate to bid farewell to such an outstanding broadcaster, and I also wish to express my gratitude to Gary for his dedicated service over the years. As always, should you have any queries, you’re aware of how to reach me.

BBC expresses worries regarding the FA Cup

This year's FA Cup Final held special significance for Davie, a dedicated Crystal Palace supporter who had the privilege of watching his team clinch victory at Wembley Stadium from the Royal Box.

A source close to the talks between Lineker and management stated: "Things didn’t go smoothly in 2023. Should things have gone awry, there was potential for the FA Cup Final watched by millions to be jeopardized."

This time around, Lineker offered an apology and removed the post. His friends mentioned that he was extremely upset with himself for failing to notice the "rat" and grasp its importance.

A recent BBC workplace culture assessment, supported by Davie, stated that there should no longer be "untouchable" individuals whose behavior damages the BBC’s overall reputation.

The informant stated: "The director-general made it evident that the result would lead to Gary’s departure. The situation with the rat position merely served as the final catalyst. Everybody must adhere to the regulations. However, reaching this point wasn’t an uncomplicated process."

The departure announcement would be delayed until after the FA Cup Final and agreed upon mutually. Gary would share his final thoughts. Match of the Day Next Sunday, and there won’t be any walkout this time. Ensuring we get the correct result was the crucial part."

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.”

Lineker’s waning support

Sources indicated that during recent interviews, Lineker stated the BBC shouldn’t maintain "impartiality" regarding Gaza and criticized Kay-Jelski, who intends to overhaul MoTD He mentioned having "no prior TV experience," which led to losing backing from fellow co-stars.

Many people in the BBC Newsroom were pleased with Lineker's departure. A high-ranking official commented, "It brought nothing but happiness. Gary was putting on a performance while those who earn less must adhere to regulations. It perfectly illustrates 'know your privileges.'"

Lineker's critique during a primetime chat with Amol Rajan about the BBC’s neutrality guidelines upset the higher-ups quite badly, according to the source.

The host is likely to get attractive proposals from global networks wanting him to present live soccer matches, particularly ones originating in the U.S. and the Middle East. There’s a chance he could find himself covering the FIFA World Cup for an organization competing with the BBC. However, industry experts think ITV might hesitate due to the additional responsibilities or complications that Lineker currently entails.

Lineker mentioned he plans to concentrate on his thriving Goalhanger podcast venture once he departs from the BBC.

A representative from the BBC stated: "It's unfortunate because as an active sports broadcaster, Gary remains unparalleled in his field. Strip away the controversy surrounding the rodent incident, and you'll find countless spectators concur with Gary regarding Gaza, which may lead them to disapprove of this choice. Regardless of what action the corporation takes, it faces criticism; however, in this instance, Gary bears sole responsibility."

Jane Lush, who previously served as the Controller of BBC Entertainment and was once the chair of BAFTA, stated The i Paper No individual, regardless of their popularity, stands above or is more significant than the BBC. I speak from experience as someone who has personally dismissed them. Angus Deayton from Have I Got News For You .

When many thought it would spell the end of the program, 23 years later, the show remains as strong as ever.

The lesson for the BBC ought to be that they must not permit anybody, regardless of how famous or powerful they might be, to harm their reputation in such a manner ever again.

Spokespersons for Lineker reached out did not provide any comments. The BBC chose not to include further details beyond the initial statement regarding his departure.