SOURCE :- THE AGE NEWS
The original England manager’s exit came after he reposted an Instagram video with a mouse icon, an image that has long been associated with antisemitism, in what insiders described as a “final grass” time for the older BBC management.
Although the return was described as” by mutual consent,” some English press stores reported that the 63-year-old past Tottenham and Barcelona striker would depart without a compensation package. Lineker, who made$ 1.4 million annually, had been hired to host the BBC’s FA Cup channels and continue to lead the broadcast of the next FIFA World Cup.
Lineker stated in a statement that was made public on Monday that:” I had never purposefully publish anything racist because it goes against anything I stand for. I’m sorry for the problem and disturbed I caused, though. Retracing one’s actions now seems to be the wise course of action.
The offensive post, which was shared last week on his Instagram accounts, contained a picture with the caption” Zionism explained in less than 2 minutes” and featured a comic mouse. While Lineker quickly removed the post and apologized, reaction from the BBC and the Jewish community as a whole erupted quickly and intense.
apparently, Jewish workers at the BBC voiced issues, and organizations like the Campaign Against Antisemitism demanded his departure. After Lineker gave an appointment to The Telegraph that appeared to criticize BBC control, blindsiding managers, and worsening tensions, the internal conflict grew even more severe.
Director-general of the BBC, Tim Davie, acknowledged Lineker’s previous achievements but stayed by the statement:” Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. We have come to terms on whether he will step down from more presenting after this period.
Lineker has often tested the boundaries of the BBC’s fairness guidelines, especially on social media, and will mark off after the Match of the Day finale next weekend. He was temporarily suspended in 2023 after making the comparison between government immigration rhetoric and Nazi Germany in the 1930s. This was the start of a standout among BBC Sport colleagues in solidarity.
Concerns about Lineker’s ability to follow BBC guidelines have persisted despite his reinstatement at the time. Just last week, Davis once more stated that presenters must live up to” BBC values” and adhere to non-negotiable social media rules.
Goalhanger Podcasts, Lineker’s media company, has gained a lot of fans, with hits like The Rest Is History and The Rest Is Entertainment. However, his broadcasting career was as open-minded as polished.
He has opined on LGBTQ+ rights, Middle Eastern conflicts, Brexit, and climate change over the years. While some praised his sincerity, others, including former BBC employees, expressed dissatisfaction with the perception of double standards.
Lineker has long been accused of breaking the BBC’s impartiality policy with impunity by critics. On X, formerly Twitter, in 2018, cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew publicly addressed him and said,” You are the face of BBC Sport. Respect editorial guidelines, please.
