'Stepping back' | Gary Lineker leaves BBC after social media controversy

Gary Lineker has confirmed his exit from the BBC, following backlash regarding his social media posts, with bosses saying his position is now “untenable”.

Last week, the sports star-turned-presenter shared a social media post about Zionism which included an emoji of a rat, which has historically been used as an antisemitic insult.

The presenter apologised, saying he would never knowingly have shared anything antisemitic, but the resulting furore has led to his exit from the national broadcaster.

In a statement, he said: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember - both on the pitch and in the studio.