Lineker: They think it's all over... it could be now!
- DDL Ltd
- May 15
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Date of publication on LinkedIn: Thursday, 15th May 2025 c.4.33pm
LinkedIn post link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lineker-think-its-all-over-could-now-sunil-chadda-ubthe
Match of the Day host, Gary Lineker, has ‘apologised unreservedly’ for a social media re-post.
The TV presenter, 64, came under criticism after he shared, then deleted, a post on his Instagram account from the group, Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, entitled: ‘Zionism explained in two minutes’.
A statement given to the PA news agency 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. 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’.
Lineker apologises for his error and takes ownership of his action. He then appears to try and minimise the offence by merely ‘regretting these references’.
His next words ‘I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic’ implies that his repost was unknowingly shared. He has been somewhat careless and potentially naïve in sharing something he didn't fully understand or appreciate.
Lineker has also attracted criticism for the delay to his apology, which came after the BBC Director General, Tim Davie, made his anger clear. The sympathetic view is that he may only have learned about the offensive references when he was criticised for it.
He takes ownership for his actions and acknowledges that knowing how to speak out on humanitarian issues is important. He is further aware of the need to be more diligent but interestingly, he does not say that he will be more careful in future.
If someone does not say something, then we cannot say it for them.
Reference
Photo Credit: news.sky.com
All blog subjects are identified, validated and written by the DDL Team. See www.ddlltd.com for more on Deception Detection Lab Ltd.
