Gary Lineker has launched a stinging attack on the BBC by claiming his former employer has “lost its way” and questioning the political influence at the top of the corporation.
The 65-year-old ended his long association with the broadcaster last year following a turbulent final period dominated by arguments over his social media activity and political views.
Lineker had initially been expected to remain with the BBC until 2026 and continue beyond that summer’s World Cup.
However, his departure was brought forward after he faced allegations of antisemitism for sharing an anti-Zionist meme featuring a rat, an image which has historically been used as an antisemitic trope.
The former England striker had repeatedly clashed with the corporation during the closing years of his tenure.
He was briefly suspended from Match of the Day in March 2023 after criticising the language used by the Government when announcing its asylum policy.
Lineker also regularly expressed opinions on Brexit and other political matters, despite facing mounting calls to moderate his public interventions because of his prominent position at the BBC.
Gary Lineker has launched a stinging attack on the BBC by claiming his former employer has “lost its way” and questioning the political influence at the top of the corporation
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PA
Although he has frequently been portrayed as being on the political Left, Lineker has insisted that his own views are closer to the centre.
Now free from his BBC commitments, the former Tottenham, Leicester and Barcelona striker believes he can speak publicly without constantly worrying about the consequences.
“I don’t need to tread on eggshells all the time,” Lineker told The Observer.
Gary Lineker says life is more relaxed now he’s left the BBC
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PA
“I’m now entitled to an opinion. Generally, life’s slightly more relaxed.”
Lineker then delivered a cutting assessment of the corporation’s approach to impartiality, accusing senior figures of failing to uphold the standards repeatedly demanded of its presenters.
“I haven’t missed the BBC,” he added. “I’ve got lots of respect for it, but it’s lost its way.
“They talk about impartiality, but at the top they’re definitely partial. We need to look beyond political parties deciding who’s on the board.”
Lineker also suggested his political outlook has become more compassionate with age while arguing others often move further to the Right.
Gary Lineker currently focuses on his Rest is Football podcast
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REUTERS“For a lot of people, empathy goes as you get older, and you turn perhaps more to the far right,” he said.
“I’ve been the opposite.”
The former footballer has been particularly vocal about the crisis in Gaza and continues to use social media to discuss causes he considers important.
His departure from the BBC has not ended his involvement in football broadcasting, however, with the veteran continuing to host The Rest Is Football alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
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