His departure comes after he shared an Instagram post about Zionism that included a drawing of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic insult.
Last year, Lineker announced his departure from Match of the Day, but said he would still present FA Cup and World Cup coverage next season.
However following the latest incident he said in a statement that “stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action”.
Tap the link in @BBCNews’s bio to read about his final broadcast this Sunday.
(📷 Getty Images, PA Media)
There comes a moment in every person’s life when they are confronted with the consequences of their actions — a moment that demands honesty, accountability, and humility. This is that moment for me. I want to express, with full sincerity and clarity, that I recognise the error in my actions, the pain and upset I caused, and I reiterate just how deeply sorry I am.
When we act without fully considering the ripple effect of our behavior, the consequences can be far-reaching. Looking back, I now see more clearly how my decisions affected others — how they may have caused disappointment, hurt, or even a loss of trust. That is not something I take lightly. I never intended to cause harm, but I fully understand now that intent is only part of the picture. Impact matters just as much, if not more.
What’s most difficult about facing your mistakes is the realisation that apologies alone don’t undo the damage. Words are important, but they are only meaningful when paired with genuine remorse, understanding, and a commitment to change. So let me be clear: my apology is not just a formality. It comes from a place of deep regret and a sincere desire to make things right.
To those I’ve hurt or disappointed, I want you to know that I’ve spent time reflecting on what happened. I’ve thought about what I could have done differently — how I could have communicated better, acted more thoughtfully, or paused to consider the full impact of my choices. There is no excuse, and I won’t try to offer one. The only thing I can offer now is my honest apology and a promise to be better.
Mistakes, while painful, can also be powerful teachers. This experience has humbled me. It has reminded me that integrity and empathy must always guide our actions, especially when emotions run high or situations feel uncertain. It’s easy to become defensive or try to justify oneself, but I know now that true strength lies in taking full responsibility.
I want to acknowledge the emotional weight this situation may have placed on others. If I caused hurt, confusion, or disappointment, I am truly sorry. That pain was never my goal, and knowing that I contributed to it is something I deeply regret. I hope that in time, healing can take place — for everyone involved.
Moving forward, I am committed to growth. I will take the lessons from this experience and use them to become more mindful, more compassionate, and more aware. I know that trust, once damaged, isn’t easily rebuilt — it takes time, consistency, and genuine effort. I am ready to do that work.
It is not lost on me how important it is to be accountable, not just in words but in actions. I know I can’t erase the past, but I can choose to shape a better future — one where I act with greater care, listen more, and stay true to the values I hold. I want to be someone who learns from their missteps, who doesn’t shy away from the truth, and who strives every day to do better.
In closing, I want to thank those who have shown patience, even amid their hurt. I understand that forgiveness, if it comes, is something to be earned. I will continue to reflect, to listen, and to act with renewed purpose. Once again, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and I reiterate, from the bottom of my heart, how truly sorry I am.
There are moments in life when we must pause, reflect, and take full responsibility for the harm we’ve caused. This is one of those moments for me. I recognise the error in my actions and the upset I caused, and I want to reiterate, with sincerity, just how deeply sorry I am.
While my intentions may not have been to hurt anyone, I understand that intentions don’t outweigh impact. What matters most is how others feel as a result of our actions, and I now see that what I did caused real hurt. For that, I offer no excuses — only my full and honest apology.
I’ve taken time to reflect on everything that happened. In doing so, I’ve come to better understand not just what I did wrong, but also how I can grow from this experience. I acknowledge the discomfort and disappointment I caused, and I am committed to learning from this moment. I know that rebuilding trust takes more than words — it takes action, consistency, and time.
If you are among those affected, I want to thank you for your patience, even if you’re still processing. I hope, in time, there can be healing. I am ready to do the work required to make things right.
Again, I recognise the mistake I made and the emotions it stirred. Please know that my apology comes from a place of genuine regret. I’m committed to being more thoughtful, more careful, and more aware going forward. I’m sorry — truly and deeply sorry.
