Culture reporter Helen Bushby shared that Gary Lineker has removed an Instagram post featuring content from the group Palestine Lobby that explained Zionism in two minutes and included an illustration of a rat. Historically, a rat has been used as an antisemitic slur by Nazi Germany to target Jews. Lineker’s agent stated that he immediately deleted the post upon realizing the image’s symbolism. In response, the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism announced plans to file a complaint with the BBC.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism criticized Lineker’s post by accusing it of sharing an anti-Israel video misrepresenting Zionism, complete with a rat emoji. The group stated that Lineker’s affiliation with the BBC should end due to this incident. The BBC referenced its guidelines on individual use of social media when questioned about Lineker’s deleted post. Zionism pertains to the movement supporting the creation of a Jewish state in the Middle East, aligning with the historical land of Israel and backing the modern state of Israel.
Last month, Lineker expressed his opinions on the Middle East during an interview with BBC presenter Amol Rajan. Lineker commented on the war in Gaza, highlighting the mass murder of thousands of children and emphasizing the importance of having an opinion. Rajan raised the issue of impartiality for the BBC, to which Lineker stressed the significance of being factual. Lineker faced a suspension from the BBC in March 2023 following comments that criticized the government’s asylum policy, ultimately leading to a discussion about the broadcaster’s impartiality.
Lineker made headlines previously for urging the BBC to reinstate a documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, featuring a 13-year-old narrator linked to a Hamas official. The documentary was temporarily removed from BBC iPlayer to address concerns and undergo further scrutiny. Lineker’s role as a Match of the Day presenter will soon conclude, transitioning to focus more on World Cup and FA Cup coverage. Additionally, Lineker is involved in Goalhanger Podcasts, producing successful series like The Rest is History and hosting The Rest is Football podcast in collaboration with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on BBC Sounds
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