Ex-footballer in running for National Television award after controversy in which he shared social media post about Zionism
Gary Lineker has been shortlisted for the National Television award for best TV presenter, a few months after his exit from the BBC’s Match Of The Day.
The former footballer will compete against Ant and Dec, who have won the prize for 23 years in a row.
Lineker exited the BBC’s flagship football show in May after 26 years, following a row over him sharing a social media post about Zionism. The post featured a depiction of a rat, historically an antisemitic insult.
He issued an unreserved apology over the post, as it was confirmed he would leave his role early at the BBC, where he was its highest paid on-air presenter, and would no longer front coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.
