Former England footballer and television presenter Gary Lineker has confirmed he is leaving the BBC, after he airs his final episode of "Match of the Day" on Sunday.
Lineker, 64, is stepping down after sparking controversy last week after sharing a social media post about Zionism, which contained an illustration of a rat - a symbol historically used as an anti-Semitic slur.
On Monday, Lineker said he had not seen the controversial part of the post and stressed that he "would never knowingly share anything anti-Semitic."
"However, I recognise the mistake and the upset I have caused and once again express my deep regret. Withdrawing at this time seems like the responsible move," Lineker said, as reported by the BBC.
He has previously been the target of criticism for his social media posts, but the latest incident was considered decisive for BBC management, which, according to culture and media editor Katie Razal, assessed that his position had become untenable.
BBC Director General Tim Davey said: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed that he will step down from all presenting duties at the end of this season. Gary has been a key figure in BBC football coverage for more than two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports programming and earned him the respect of fans across the UK and around the world. We thank him for everything he has done."
"Football has been at the heart of my life, both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game and the work I have done for the BBC over the years. As I have said, I would never knowingly share anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I believe in. However, I acknowledge the mistake and the pain I have caused and I apologise once again. Resigning is now, in my opinion, the right thing to do," Lineker said.
Along with the written statement, Lineker posted a video on Instagram, stating that he "never, ever would have shared" the content in question if he had noticed the "emoji" which, as he said, "has terrible connotations."
"Once again, I want to apologize unconditionally to everyone I have hurt. It was a sincere mistake and oversight, but I should have been more careful – I know that now," said the former footballer.
He added that throughout his life he fought for minorities and humanitarian issues, as well as against all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, "which I sincerely despise."
"That's why I think it's best for everyone that I step down completely from my BBC presenting duties," Lineker said.
Lineker described his 30 years at the BBC as "a pleasure and a great privilege", stressing that the "Match of the Day" show had become "an integral part of my life".
In the end, he said that his relationship with the BBC had been "long and beautiful", but that "the time had come for us to part ways".
Lineker's post was also responded to by his colleague from the show, also a former footballer, Alan Shearer, with the words: "Thank you for everything."
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