Full timeline of Gary Lineker's sudden BBC exit as 'disgraced' star issues statement

A social media post made by has reportedly led to the end of his 26-year career with the BBC. The Match of the Day host previously announced that he would be stepping down from his sports pundit post, but now he is allegedly leaving a whole year earlier than originally planned.

It comes as the 64-year-old became embroiled in an impartiality row with the broadcasters, once again. In the latest fallout, Lineker shared a controversial pro-Palestine video on , which attracted accusations of anti-semitism. The post criticised Zionism and featured a picture of a rat - animals used to represent Jews in antisemitic propaganda throughout history.

While it isn't the first time that the former footballer has landed himself in hot water over his controversial tweets, it seems to be the final straw. Here is a full breakdown of events that led to his exit.

May 12

Lineker shared a post to his Story from the group Palestine Lobby, which said: "Zionism explained in two minutes" and featured an illustration of a rat.

May 13

Lineker's agent announced that the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image of the rat's symbolism. The charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was submitting a complaint to the .

Lineker's agent said: "Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post. Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed."

May 14

Lineker issued a public apology for his social media content. He said he would "never knowingly share anything antisemitic" and he had deleted the post "as soon as I became aware of the issue".

"On I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references," Lineker said in a statement. "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."

May 19

confirmed Lineker's exit. A statement read: " will leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season. He will not be part of the 's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup coverage."

In response, Lineker released a statement of his own, which 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 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."