BBC’s main soccer presenter Lineker issues apology after sharing ‘antisemitic’ social media post
Gary Lineker, the former England soccer player who became a leading sports broadcaster on the BBC, has “apologized unreservedly” for reposting an Instagram story about Zionism which featured a picture of a rat.
In a statement Wednesday, Lineker, 64, said he reposted material which he has since subsequently learned contained “offensive references,” adding that he withdrew the post as soon as he became aware of the issue.
“I take full responsibility for this mistake,” said Lineker. “I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.” Lineker came under criticism on Tuesday after he shared a post from the group, Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, titled: “Zionism explained in two minutes.” Rats, linked to disease and dirt, have been...