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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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      Gary Lineker confirms punditry retirement date with legendary presenter just days away from last Match of the Day show

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      GARY LINEKER has put an expiration date on his career as a football presenter and pundit.Lineker, 64, already announced earlier this year that he would be leaving Match of the Day after 26 years in the presenter’s seat for the BBC.Gary Lineker has confirmed when he will step away from football punditryCredit: GettyThe former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25. But will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and will also lead the coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.However, Lineker has revealed that he doesn’t think his punditry career will carry on past that summer – telling the Telegraph that he will call it a day after the tournament.He said: “Once I’ve done the World Cup, I won’t be a football presenter again. I’ll focus more on my podcast empire.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker co-owns a podcast production company called Goalhanger Productions, which has seen immense success since its inception in 2018.It is now the largest independent podcast producer outside of the US and has a number of top podcasts hosted by recognisable faces.Those include The Rest is Football, hosted by Lineker himself alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, as well as The Rest is Entertainment, a podcast hosted by TV icon Richard Osman and respected journalist Marina Hyde.While it is also the home of The Rest is Politics, one of the leading political podcast fronted up by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker has been unapologetically vocal about politics in recent years and has even come in for criticism for a number of opinions.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.’No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight messageHe added: “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.”Lineker is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More

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      Gary Lineker’s last ever Match of the Day appearance set to end on sour note for BBC legend

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      GARY LINEKER’S beloved Leicester City have inadvertently soured the BBC legend’s Match of the Day swansong. The former England striker is leaving his presenting role on the iconic BBC show after 26 years.Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day after presenting the show since 1999Credit: BBCOne of his final jobs on set will be reviewing his team Leicester’s relegationCredit: GettyLineker will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and the 64-year-old will also front coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.But he will be making his final appearance on the iconic highlights show on May 25 to wrap up the season’s final round of games. A Match of the Day tradition will see him end his final broadcast on a sour note.At the end of each season, the pundits conduct a final review of the Premier League table. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Lineker, a boyhood Foxes fans who spent the first seven years of his career at Filbert Street, will be forced to acknowledge Leicester’s immediate return to the Championship.The Foxes were relegated on April 20 and currently sit 19th in the table, with only Southampton behind.Lineker might have had plenty of time to process the relegation – but one of his final acts on MOTD will be announcing his side’s return to the Championship. Lineker has already presented his final Saturday night MOTD, with the Premier League’s final fixtures falling on a Sunday. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollowing a drab set of results, he quipped: “After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst – no offence, lads.”Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!”Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingThe Beeb announced in January that a new three-person presenting team would replace Lineker. Kelly Cates, 49, will be joined by Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Lineker said it had been a “joy and a privilege” to present Match of the Day for more than two decades.He added on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I feel this is now the right time [to leave].”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Lineker also confirmed he will not be heading to a rival broadcaster now he has left the BBC.Read More on The SunLineker 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.” More

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      ‘No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight message

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      GARY LINEKER issued a no-nonsense sign off on Match of the Day after a hapless round of Saturday Premier League fixtures.Southampton and Manchester City played out a drab goalless draw at St Mary’s, Everton won 3-1 at Fulham, Brighton prevailed 2-0 at Wolves, Brentford beat Ipswich 1-0 at Portman Road and 10-man Aston Villa picked up a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth.Gary Lineker issued a no-nonsense sign off on Match of the DayLineker blasted a hapless round of Saturday Premier League fixturesThe games left much to be desired and Lineker, 64, suggested the BBC found it hard to put together an exciting highlight reel.So much so that the famous presenter described Saturday’s action as “probably one of the worst”. Lineker issued the following savage verdict: “After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst – no offence, lads.”Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!”Read More on FootballMatch of the Day shared a clip of that remark with the following caption: “No sugar-coating from @GaryLineker there.”Several football fans were left in stitches with that unique sign-off and took to social media.One fan tweeted: “The man Gary.”Another laughed: “Bahahahaha!”Most read in FootballA third commented: “Keepin’ it real, yess!”Wayne Rooney cracks up live on BBC Sport after Gary Lineker’s brutal Micah Richards gagAnd a further post read: “Straight shooter Gaz.”Lineker dropped that tongue-in-cheek statement in one of his last ever appearances on Match of the Day as he will step down as presenter in May after 26 years in the esteemed show.The former England international will also leave the BBC altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.The Leicester legend will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Lineker insists he will not be seen on any TV rival after leaving the Beeb and will instead be doing podcasts while also focusing on his personal life. More

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      ‘Not for £100million either’ – Gary Lineker reveals he turned down reality TV offer following Match of the Day exit

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed that he has turned down multiple reality TV shows since it was announced that he would be leaving the BBC. Lineker, 64, will step down from his post as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season. Lineker’s tenure as Match of the Day frontman is coming to an endCredit: BBCThe presenter has always made his political views public, sometimes to his detrimentHe will be replaced by the trio of Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman. He will, however, be kept on to lead the Beeb’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the US and Mexico. He will also continue to front the broadcaster’s FA Cup offerings. In an interview with The Times, Lineker admitted that he had several offers from reality TV shows to appear. Read more in FootballAccording to Lineker, the producers of Big Brother tapped up his agent to enquire about the former England striker’s interest in appearing on the programme. They were met with a £100million price tag, although Lineker revealed that he “wouldn’t have done it for £100million either,” with the sum being “a little over their budget”. In the interview, Lineker, who earned 80 caps for his country, scoring 48 goals, said that he had become quite the chef in his spare time. That had also led to offers from culinary shows. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe insisted: “I’ve actually been offered to do cookery programmes, but I don’t want to, because whilst I’m a very keen cook and I think I’m a good cook, I’m not Gordon f***ing Ramsay.”Lineker believes that he is a better presenter now than he ever has been, with his podcast “The Rest is Football” helping him behind the microphone and in front of the camera.Lineker has been the subject of bids from several showsCredit: AlamyHowever, that venture did not help sway the BBC’s decision to keep him on. He said: “I think I’m a better presenter now than I’ve ever been.“I know everything that can go wrong, and everything that can go right. Which is a good time to go.“There wasn’t a great desire to give me another three-year contract.”Lineker got the Match of the Day gig in 1999, replacing Des Lynam in the hotseat.He was also the Beeb’s lead presenter for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and he was reported to be the corporation’s highest-paid presenter in July 2022. He was suspended from Match of the Day in 2023 for criticising the British government’s immigration policy on social media.  More

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      Jermaine Jenas was ‘prepared to be unhappy for the rest of his life’ to stay with wife before she divorced him

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      JERMAINE JENAS has admitted that he would have been willing to be “unhappy for the rest of his life” in order to stay with wife Ellie Penfold.Ellie announced her split with former Tottenham and England star Jenas in March.Jermaine Jenas and wife Ellie split up in MarchCredit: GettyJenas, 42, opened up on his break-up during a podcast appearanceCredit: YouTube/FILTHYFELLASTheir break-up came six months after Jenas was axed by the BBC following a sexting scandal.The 42-year-old was relieved of his services by the Beeb after being accused of sending X-rated texts to two female colleagues.Jenas, who has four children with Ellie, went on to admit to sending the messages, but stressed that the texts were consensual and that he had not broken the law.The former One Show host told The Sun that Ellie was “raging” following the allegations – but that he hoped to work through their issues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn March, however, Ellie took to Instagram to reveal that their marriage was over after 14 years.Jenas, who returned to punditry work with talkSPORT in February, has now opened up on his marriage ending during an appearance on the Filthy Fellas podcast.Speaking candidly about his break-up, Jenas said: “It was her decision and one that I had to accept.”If it was up to me – and I think a lot of men are like this – I’d probably be prepared to be unhappy for the rest of my life if [it meant] I had my kids in it. If I have my kids, I’m quite happy to sacrifice.”Most read in FootballThe former couple have four children togetherCredit: InstagramJenas then went on to add: “It’s a man thing. Relationships are what they are – they have highs, they have lows and people cheat – some people do, some people don’t, but you figure a lot of things out.”The reality is we both were in a position where we were like ‘are we really happy?’Jermaine Jenas says he’s ‘coming back a better person’ as he returns to talkSPORT after ‘inappropriate’ texts”From her side of things, she’d ran the course more than probably me. But I was much more happy to go ‘I’ll be unhappy if I can stay in this house with you and these kids’.”It wasn’t to be for her, so we went our separate ways and that is that.”Speaking frankly about the situation, Jenas said of why he and Ellie broke up: “The reality is, me and my wife haven’t split up because I sent some text messages to some people at work.”We had issues for a period of time, it all comes to a head and you eventually make a decision to say, as adults, we will be better parents for our children if we just remain friends and that’s it.’DRAGGED ME OUT THE GUTTER'”We had 16 amazing years together, me and my wife, how many people last that long? Sixteen years. Ups and downs. She caught the wrong end of my [playing] career, bless her.”She was the one that dragged me out of the gutter when my knee was hanging off, career done. She’s the one that picked me back up and gave me the belief and the strength to go ‘get yourself back out there, I believe in you’.”Upon his return to talkSPORT in February, Jenas vowed to learn from his mistakes.’WORK ON YOURSELF’The former Match of the Day pundit said: “The biggest thing in this whole situation is about taking responsibility and that has been at the forefront of my mind…”There’s a reason why you’re in this position and there’s a reason why this has happened.”Once you accept those things, then you can work on yourself and you can work on the other things and you can work on your family and work towards a brighter future.”Confirming their split a month later, Ellie wrote on Instagram: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.Read More on The Sun”After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. We will remain friends and continue to co-parent.”We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time. Thank you, Ellie.”Jermaine and Ellie are hoping to remain friendsCredit: AlamyEllie confirmed their break-up on Instagram in MarchCredit: Instagram @elliejenas More

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      Martin Odegaard should be STRIPPED of the Arsenal captaincy following PSG horror show, says former MOTD pundit

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD should be stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, according to ex-Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson.The former Liverpool defender did not hold back after Odegaard’s underwhelming display in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.Odegaard completed just 20 passes against PSGCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side were beaten 1-0 at the Emirates after Ousmane Dembele struck early to give the French giants a crucial away win.Odegaard struggled to influence the game, completing just 20 passes out of 27 attempts – his lowest total in any match this season.Lawrenson reckons the pressure of being captain is affecting the Norwegian’s performances. He told Paddy Power: “The captain’s armband should be taken away from Odegaard, so he can get back to focusing on his performances.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”We all know that he’s a good player, but he’s just had a six out of 10 season.”Odegaard, 25, has worn the armband since 2022 after signing permanently for the club in 2021 and has been a integral part of Arteta’s leadership group.But Lawrenson believes there is a better candidate in the ranks. He added: “If you gave Declan Rice the armband instead, you imagine that it wouldn’t affect his performances, especially considering he was captain at West Ham.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’d give it to Rice so Odegaard can focus on improving his performances.”Odegaard has registered just one assist in his last eight matches and was largely anonymous against PSG, as Arsenal failed to find a breakthrough. Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGLawrenson believes Rice proved he can cope with captaincy at West HamCredit: GettyLawrenson, 66, made over 300 appearances for Liverpool and won five league titles during his career. He spent years on the Match of the Day sofa analysing performances – and he’s not convinced Odegaard is the right man to lead the Gunners.The second leg in Paris takes place next Wednesday, with Arsenal needing a big turnaround to keep their European dream alive. Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night… More

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      I tried Harry Kane’s knobbly sticks as England star takes on Gary Lineker with his own snack brand – here’s my verdict

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      SHOULD you put Harry Kane’s knobbly stick in your mouth?SunSport’s Dan King, who knows even more about savoury treats than football, put Kane’s late surge into the crisp market to the taste test.The Kane-backed sorghum and corn snacks, which also contain the probiotic Bacillus Coagulans, are special editions of the brand Insane Grain.SunSport’s Dan King tried Harry Kane’s snack brandKane is looking to surpass fellow England legend Gary Lineker off the pitchKane has already surpassed Lineker on England goals, now he’s targeting his crisp empireAnd although the England captain has surpassed Gary Lineker’s goal tally for the Three Lions, he won’t be beating the crisp-munching Match of the Day presenter in the supermarket aisles.If you’re looking for a taste experience as potent as Kane is in front of goal, you will be disappointed.But the Bayern Munich striker’s line of “healthy” snacks, is perfectly pleasant and won’t scare the kids, much like the man himself.Read More on FootballA PITCH OF SALTThe pale yellow colour is neither enticing nor repellent, and the same can be said of the flavour. It does what it says on the packet: a little bit of salt, not too much (although the nutritional information shows this is the most salty of the three varieties). It’s fine. I would probably want to dunk it in a dip of some kind, but that would defeat the object of choosing something that is allegedly good for you – or at least less bad than other snacks.Rating: 4/10Kane has released three flavours, starting with A Pitch of SaltSALT & VINEGOAALAnother pun that even Lineker might turn down, but my favourite of the lot. You have to be prepared to overlook their appearance. They are horribly beige, but without the promise of the pure filth that comes with a similarly-coloured pork scratching. Most read in FootballI know my salt’n’vinegar. Although this doesn’t deliver the punch of the king of all versions – McCoys, ridged for your pleasure – there is a decent tang of malt vinegar.Rating: 7/10Kane also released Salt & VinegoaalCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSTRIKIN’ HOTLet’s be honest here: baked knobbly sticks are basically Nik Naks by another name. So you are immediately putting them up against the supreme NN variety, Nice ’N’ Spicy. And much like Kane’s old club Tottenham, these really are a distant second best. Again, the flavour is fine, but there’s just not enough of it. If you tell me something is going to be hot, I want to really feel that heat. A bit of spice lingers in the after-taste, but not enough to excite me.Rating 5/10And finally, Kane has put together Strikin’ HotHarry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future OVERALL VERDICTIf you’re a parent looking for something to keep your kids quiet, without stuffing them full of salt and fat, then this could work (as long as you watch the portion size). Children often don’t like strong flavours anyway and the football link might persuade them to overlook any disappointment in that aspect.But if you’re planning a Bank Holiday weekend spread in the sunshine, there are tastier and cheaper ways to hit the back of the net.Despite what Kane says on the back of the packets, they are not “insanely delicious”. Paying £2 per bag? I won’t be Bayern them again. More