The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) today slammed Gary Lineker’s decision to quietly delete an antisemitic Instagram story as a cynical act of PR damage control – not an expression of regret or moral clarity. Lineker had reposted a video from the Palestine Lobby purporting to “explain Zionism,” which included a rat illustration – an unmistakable antisemitic trope long used to dehumanise Jews.
The football presenter only removed the post after public backlash and mounting pressure, not because he recognised its grotesque implications. To date, Lineker has neither issued a proper apology nor acknowledged the gravity of sharing content that equates Zionism – a core element of Jewish identity – with vermin.
“This wasn’t a lapse in judgment – it was a window into Lineker’s worldview,” said NJA Chairman Gary Mond. “His decision to delete the post without any apology or reflection shows that he is sorry only that he was caught, not that he was wrong. His continued role at the BBC is an insult to Jewish licence-fee payers.”
The NJA also called out the BBC for allowing Lineker to remain in a public-facing role despite repeated controversies around his inflammatory political commentary, particularly on the Israel–Hamas war. “This is not the first time Gary Lineker has used his platform to push one-sided, factually flawed and morally repugnant narratives. The BBC’s refusal to hold him to account tells you everything about the broadcaster’s double standards,” Mond continued.
This latest incident comes after Lineker previously signed a public letter defending a now-discredited documentary featuring a child narrator linked to Hamas and falsely suggesting Israeli responsibility for the war in Gaza.
“Lineker’s position as a BBC presenter is no longer tenable,” added Mond. “His platform is subsidised by the British public, and his actions repeatedly breach the basic standards of decency and impartiality. Enough is enough. It’s time for the BBC to do the right thing and part ways with him – for good.”
