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BBC Staff Reportedly “Disgusted” Over Gary Lineker’s Social Media Activity
BBC employees are reportedly “disgusted” that Gary Lineker has not been dismissed following his recent social media conduct. The departing Match of the Day presenter shared an image featuring a rat, accompanied by a video of Canadian-Palestinian lawyer Diana Buttu criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This incident sparked considerable controversy concerning potential anti-Semitism and the BBC’s response.
Backlash and Accusations of Anti-Semitism
The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism spearheaded the criticism against the former England footballer. The post, which Lineker has since removed, allegedly included a rodent emoji, an image historically employed by Nazi Germany to depict Jewish people. According to *The Telegraph*, several BBC individuals claim that the corporation’s reluctance to terminate Lineker’s employment is “deeply upsetting to its Jewish staff.” The incident raises concerns about anti-Semitism within the BBC and the perceived lack of accountability for high-profile figures.
Anonymous Staff Express Disappointment
One unnamed Jewish staff member stated:
- “It is quite simply disgusting that the BBC has not kicked Lineker out.”
- “His repeated offensiveness to Jewish people has clearly brought the BBC into disrepute.”
- “The interpretation of Zionism he has shared is anti-Semitic, and the fact that the BBC thinks it’s acceptable is deeply upsetting to its Jewish staff, myself included.”
Another BBC source suggested that a “perfect opportunity” to fire Lineker was missed, noting that he is already scheduled to leave his role as MOTD host at the season’s end, but is slated to continue his work on the BBC’s FA Cup and 2026 World Cup coverage.
“He’s the perfect example of someone who doesn’t think the rules apply to them and abuses them at every turn – the type highlighted in the culture review, published no more than a fortnight ago,” the anonymous contributor added. Concerns also linger regarding the BBC’s commitment to its Jewish employees and the implications of overlooking perceived anti-Semitism.
Senior Management’s Response Questioned
Another individual remarked: “The BBC’s endless willingness to overlook his apparent anti-Semitism dressed as Palestinian advocacy constantly makes Jewish staff feel how little they matter to the corporation. Perhaps Lineker lacks the sophistication to know the difference, but what’s senior management’s excuse?”
Lineker’s Defense and Action
A Lineker spokesperson indicated that the 64-year-old was unaware of the problematic connotations linked to the image and promptly removed it upon becoming aware. They elaborated:
“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.”
BBC Director General Addresses the Controversy
Tim Davie, the Director General of the BBC, has acknowledged that posts like Lineker’s “costs us” and requires BBC personnel to abide by established social media guidelines in response to escalating demands for Lineker’s dismissal.
“The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone, and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us,” he declared. “And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”
Call for Lineker’s Removal Intensifies
Lineker, who reportedly earned £1.35 million from the BBC last year, is generally considered among Britain’s top broadcasters. Nevertheless, the BBC is facing mounting strain to sever ties with one of its most recognizable talents. The ongoing debate surrounding Gary Lineker underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression, social media conduct, and organizational accountability, especially concerning potential anti-Semitism.
A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism stated “he must go now,” while former BBC television director Danny Cohen intensified scrutiny by commenting: “Gary Lineker appears to have shared content about the Jewish State which echoes Nazi propaganda. This is utterly grim.”
“The BBC’s director general Tim Davie has a simple question to answer: does he tolerate the BBC’s flagship presenters sharing content that has historically been used as an anti-Semitic slur?”