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      Gary Lineker returns to BBC for first time since post likening supporters of Israel to rats as host fronts FA Cup final

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      GARY Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since being accused of sharing a “anti-Semitic” post.The outgoing Match of the Day host sparked fury over the Instagram upload, which has since been deleted.Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since his postCredit: GettyHe presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley todayLineker has “apologised unreservedly” after sharing the pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.A rat has been used as an anti-Semitic insult referring to language used by Nazi Germany to characterise Jewish people.The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza with the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes.”In a statement, 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.”The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.”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.Most read in Football”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.”Gary Lineker gets a grilling over Maradonna’s infamous hand of God goal in hilarious new The Assembly teaserLast November Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day.The former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25.But he will still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.And Lineker returned to TV screens this afternoon for the first time since the row erupted.He presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley.Lineker appeared alongside Wayne Rooney.But a source said: “He is hosting the Cup final this weekend but beyond that we don’t know at this stage.”Staff are annoyed with him after this week — and he is annoyed with himself too.”This comes after the director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster’s social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.Tim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC’s rules.Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.”And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Lineker’s agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image’s symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.Meanwhile, earlier this week Lineker fired savage digs at the new BBC boss as the ex-footballer revealed why he left Match of the Day.The TV veteran slammed BBC’s new director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, claiming he “has no TV experience” in a brutal interview with The Telegraph.Lineker, 64, warned the BBC not to tamper too much with the iconic show, saying: “He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day a bit.”Ultimately, I don’t think they will, because I don’t see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights.”Lineker presented Match of the Day for a staggering 26 years.However, the 64-year-old claims that much has changed since the new BBC boss took charge last year.”I think he wants more journalists – he has come from that background,” Gary added.In March 2023 Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.He said previously: “I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have.”Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’.”I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.”Read More on The SunLineker is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.He is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More

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      Fury as Gary Lineker shares pro-Gaza video likening supporters of Israel to RATS with BBC urged to sack him

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      THE BBC is facing calls to sack Gary Lineker after the presenter shared a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats. The outgoing match of the day host sparked fury after featuring on his Instagram a vermin emoji that has been used for decades, including by the Nazis, as antisemitic slur. Gary Lineker sparked fury after sharing a vermin emoji on Instagram – a symbol long used as an antisemitic slur, including by the NazisCredit: GettyThe BBC’s Director General Tim Davie is facing calls to sack LinekerCredit: GettyThe rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza. Responding to the post, former Labour MP Lord Austin said: “For too long Gary Lineker has been flagrantly abusing his position as the best-paid presenter at the BBC to promote his deeply biased views. “Now he has gone too far, sharing material that whether he knows it or not is redolent of the vilest anti-Jewish racism. “He cannot be allowed to stay in position, let alone be the face of World Cup coverage. READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“The BBC must act now.” Danny Cohen, former director of BBC Television, said: “Gary Lineker appears to have shared content about the Jewish State which echoes 1930s Nazi propaganda. “This is utterly grim. The BBC’s Director General Tim Davie has a simple question to answer: does he tolerate the BBC’s flagship presenters sharing content that has historically been used as an antisemitic slur?” The controversial post comes weeks after the Match of the Day presenter told the Beeb presenter Amol Rajan that he has a right to express his opinion on topics including Gaza. He said: “I know where I stand on this. Most read in Football“I’m sorry. It’s more important than the BBC. “What’s going on there is the mass murder of thousands of children is probably something that we should have a little opinion on.” ‘That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing More

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      FA Cup final gets never-before-seen kick-off time after BBC and ITV clash over scheduling

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      THE FA CUP final has been given a brand new kick-off time just two weeks before the showpiece match at Wembley Stadium.Manchester City and Crystal Palace’s season-concluding clash will start at a later time of 4:30pm BST on Saturday May 17.The FA Cup kick-off time has finally been shared with fansCredit: ReutersThe new time was agreed following collaboration with the two clubs, broadcasters, local authorities, police and the Safety Advisory Group.The FA Cup final has traditionally kicked off at 3pm – a time preferred by police.FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were delayed, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.The Beeb wanted the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there would be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMore than 7.5million people in the UK watched Eurovision on the BBC last year, with the corporation desperate to not see the final clash with the competition.ITV were understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.The 2022 final between Chelsea and Liverpool was forced to start at 4:45pm because of a scheduling clash with Eurovision that night too.In each of the Chelsea’s previous trips to Wembley in 2021 and 2020 for the FA Cup final kick-off has been at 5:15pm and 5:30pmMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCity booked their place in the final for the third straight year with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last Sunday,Goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol gave Pep Guardiola the chance to end a disappointing season with another trophy.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyMeanwhile, Crystal Palace are chasing their first ever FA Cup gong after thrashing Aston Villa in the semi-final on Saturday.A wonder striker from Eberechi Eze and a double from Ismaila Sarr secured Palace’s third ever final in the competition.The 2024-25 FA Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer as well as ITV1 and ITVX.No Premier League matches have been scheduled for the final.There were rows and rows of empty seats for the FA Cup semi-finalsAnd City will be hoping that their fans actually turn up this time, after 5,000 fans snubbed the journey against Forest.Fans of both clubs are already raging over an increase in ticket prices – a first in six years – with fees ranging from £175 for a category 1 ticket to £50 for category 4.That’s a rise of £30 for category 1 tickets compared to the 2024 final.Read More on The SunA spokesperson said: “The FA Cup is our biggest revenue producer, and it allows us to invest more funding into every level of English football.“We will be freezing the prices of almost all tickets to the Emirates FA Cup Final for the next three years.” More

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      BBC at odds with ITV over FA Cup Final kick-off time with talks ongoing just TWO WEEKS before showpiece occasion

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans have slammed Wembley chiefs for keeping them in the FA Cup Final dark.With only 16 days before City run out against Crystal Palace for English football’s showpiece occasion, there has still been no confirmation of the kick-off time.Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner will lock horns with Man City counterpart Pep Guardiola in the FA Cup final on May 17Credit: AlamyThe two broadcasters have differing views on kick-off timeLast night the FA took all information about the game off its official website, with the page designation for Final details reading: “No Fixtures available, please check later.”FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were still ongoing, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.The Beeb want the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there will be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.ITV are understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, the FA has to square all decisions off with Police, local council safety chiefs and the transport authorities.Even so, there is a recognition that the lack of certainty is not the best look.And the lack of confirmation brought an angry response from City supporters, already fuming at ticket prices of up to £285.City sold 5,000 short of their allocation for the semi-final win over Nottingham Forest.Most read in FA CupBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoss Pep Guardiola noted the amount his side’s supporters have had to fork out for Wembley trips over recent season.City YouTube channel presenter Steven McInerney, pointing to all Final category tickets having gone up by between £5 and £35, said on X: “The prices compared to last year are taking the p***.“It’s in two weeks, people have to organise travel and the kick off time hasn’t even been announced yet.“Shambles of an institution. Fans slapped in the face constantly.” More

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      Gary Lineker explains why BBC need THREE presenters to replace him on MOTD and gives verdict on trio

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      GARY LINEKER suggested he is being replaced by THREE presenters on Match of the Day because it is such a “massive commitment”.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of MOTD after 26 years in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Lineker will be replaced by three presenters on Match of the DayCredit: BBCMOTD2 host Mark Chapman is among the replacementsCredit: PALogan will be a regular on Saturday nights from now onCredit: PASky favourite Cates is making the switchCredit: PAThe legendary presenter will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who will rotate from next term.The England great joked that he thinks it’s a compliment that so many people are needed to succeed him, but he admits this decision has nothing to do with his legacy.Instead, the Leicester icon believes this comes down to family reasons as the job would demand they all sacrifice a number of weekends that they could spend with their loved ones over the next few years.The former Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hitman himself recently stated that he never really had Saturdays and Sundays off throughout his adult life.Read More on FootballSo the TV star claims that having all three available on a rotation basis would allow them to continue enjoying quality time with their families.And he is very much looking forward to watching the new team of “top presenters” doing a “great job”.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.’This is why I don’t talk to old people’ – Maya Jama bites back at Gary Lineker after he revealed relationship status“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”Lineker confirmed recently that he will no longer do TV after leaving the BBC and will instead focus on his podcasts. More

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      Gary Lineker confirms his future plans after MOTD exit and reveals why he snubbed Sky to stay with BBC

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      GARY LINEKER confirmed he will not be joining a rival broadcaster after leaving the BBC next year and will instead focus on his podcast empire.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of Match of the Day in May after 26 years in the presenter’s seat and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Gary Lineker confirmed he will not be joining a rival broadcaster after leaving the BBCCredit: PALineker is leaving the BBC next year and will focus on his podcast empireCredit: GettyThere were questions regarding the England legend’s future and many wondered if he would sign with another channel amid intense specualtion involving Sky Sports.However, the former hitman insists he will not be seen on any TV rival and will instead be doing podcasts.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”Read More on FootballLineker admitted that there were talks with Sky but he was too loyal to the BBC.Thus, the ex-Barcelona star will be focusing on his esteemed Goalhanger Podcasts, which consists of shows including The Rest Is Football, which he hosts alongside MOTD pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History.Astonishingly, all 13 pods collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.And according to Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify, Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker added: “We’ve had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC.”I could have earned a lot more, though I know I’ve been well paid anyway, obviously.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left in”I’ve had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do.”It’s not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays.”Also, I’m quite loyal. I’ve had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18…”Lineker will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisted of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Mark Chapman will be among Gary Lineker’s replacementsCredit: PAChapman will be joined by TV star Gabhy LoganCredit: PAKelly Cates will complete the three-person presenting teamCredit: PA More

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      BBC Sport make major change to when Premier League highlights will be shown in move that will impact Match of the Day

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      THE BBC will show Premier League highlights much earlier on Saturday nights – amid a shake-up of their weekend football coverage.Presenters like Alan Shearer, Joe Hart and Alex Scott were among 200 people at a summit at Gary Neville’s Hotel Football to discuss changes.Gary Lineker is departing MOTD at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersAlex Scott is one of three presenters replacing LinekerCredit: GettyThe Mail say from next season a new TV deal means highlights and analysis from Saturday action will be available from 8pm online and via the iPlayer.Flagship show Match of the Day will escape much of the Beeb’s revamp – apart from the long-known exit of Gary Lineker as host after 26 years.Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will instead share the MOTD helm from 2025-26.It’s understood the hotel meeting heard the programme will stick to its tried and tested format of highlights and pundits’ assessments.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNonetheless, BBC chairman Samir Shah has hinted that won’t last for too much longer.The Manchester United fan told the Times MOTD “should not be built around highlights”.Shah added: “It should be built around analysis and examination of the match to give viewers a deeper insight.” But Saturday lunchtime programme Football Focus WILL get an overhaul next term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe hotel summit, headed by BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, was told the pre-match show would get a sharper edge.That includes players facing tougher interviews, with more sparring between pundits and fewer softer features.’I don’t like it’ – Gary Lineker has wild reaction after spotting ex-Match of the Day star at Baller League launchThe announcements came a day after the BBC offered voluntary redundancy to most of the staff in their sports department.That’s seen as part of a move towards focusing more on online output. More

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      Major broadcast change as BBC makes huge football event previously shown on Sky Sports free-to-air

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      THE BBC has agreed a new deal that will see Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland matches shown on free-to-air television from the upcoming international break.All three teams are set to battle it out for a place at next summer’s World Cup over the coming months.The BBC has announced a new deal that will see Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland games broadcast on free-to-air TVCredit: ReutersScotland games have been behind a paywall for over 15 yearsCredit: PAThe Irish FA praised the ‘new chapter’Credit: PacemakerAnd for the first time in over two decades, every fixture will be shown on free-to-air TV across the United Kingdom.The BBC has reached an agreement with Uefa allowing 41 matches to be shown live across its channels.The deal also includes at least two international friendlies and Scotland’s Nations League play-off with Greece later this month.It is the first time the BBC has secured full live rights for all three nations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRhodri Talfan Davies, director of BBC Nations, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that fans across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will now be able to enjoy live, free-to-air coverage of all the big international football matches.”Nothing fires the imagination more than live international sport and the race to qualify for the world’s biggest tournament.”It’s going to be quite a ride and I’m thrilled the BBC will be there every step of the way.”This month will mark the first time a Wales qualifier is broadcast on free-to-air TV since 2004.Most read in FootballFAW CEO Noel Mooney revealed: “As we approach an exciting World Cup qualification campaign with Craig Bellamy at the helm, the Football Association of Wales is looking forward to working with BBC Cymru Wales, on their free-to-air coverage of the Cymru men’s national team.”It’s fantastic that every Welsh fan will be able to watch our matches for free via the BBC’s fantastic coverage.”England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawMeanwhile, Scotland fixtures have largely been placed behind a paywall for over 15 years – aside from a few shown on YouTube recently.And as for Northern Ireland, the team’s last two fixtures in November were not televised at all.On the new deal, Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with BBC NI to promote our domestic game across radio, TV and online.”This is a new chapter which builds on this foundation, and we hope to share more success following the journey of this exciting senior men’s team.”With Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales fixtures to be shown live on the BBC, England’s fixtures will remain on ITV.The broadcaster took over the rights from Channel 4 in September.That means the new BBC deal will not impact coverage of the Three Lions.READ MORE SUN STORIESPreviously, some international games have been broadcast on Sky Sports.And in recent years the rights have been held by Premier Sports.Live matches shown on the BBC in MarchThursday, 20 March – Greece v Scotland (Nations League)Friday, 21 March – Northern Ireland v Switzerland (friendly)Saturday, 22 March – Wales v Kazakhstan (World Cup qualifier)Sunday, 23 March – Scotland v Greece (Nations League)Tuesday, 25 March – Sweden v Northern Ireland (friendly), North Macedonia v Wales (World Cup qualifier) More