Gary Lineker has argued that the BBC "moved the goalposts" over its impartiality rules.
Lineker, who presented Match of the Day from 1999 to 2025, was suspended by the broadcaster in 2023 over a post on his social media account criticising the UK government's asylum policy.
He was reinstated a few days later – however, in 2025, he departed the BBC following a controversial post deemed antisemitic by various groups on social media.
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival about his use of social media, Lineker said there was "never a question" of impartiality rules for those who worked outside of news and current affairs until around 2019.
He recalled that he would post about humanitarian issues for the "first few years" of being on X (formerly Twitter).
He said: "Then I think it was around 2019, something like that, the BBC moved the goalposts, and they said, 'From now on, it applies to everyone.'
"I remember speaking to the director-general [then, Tony Hall] and saying, 'I'm not going to change. I'm still going to speak up if I want.' I said, 'I'll always be cautious – it'll be about humanitarian issues.' And I carried on."
Lineker exited the BBC in May 2025, immediately following his final Match of the Day programme.
The presenter had shared an Instagram video titled "Zionism in less than 2 min" containing an emoji of a rat, a term widely recognised as antisemitic after being used by the Nazi regime in Germany during World War II.
He later deleted the post and apologised. Lineker said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.
"Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters. I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views. It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”
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In a statement about his exit, he said: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.
“I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.
“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
At the time, then-director-general Tim Davie said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.
“Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”
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