Gary Lineker’s Podcast to Leave BBC Audio-Streaming Service

The popular podcast "The Rest is Football" hosted by Gary Lineker will no longer be available on the BBC audio-streaming service, BBC Sounds, after the presenter leaves the company following an anti-Semitism row.

Background of the Incident

The show, produced by Lineker’s company Goalhanger Productions, will continue to be available on other platforms, but its last episode will be released on BBC Sounds this week. Lineker was initially supposed to leave the company after the final game of the season on Sunday but will not be staying on to cover the FA Cup and the BBC’s World Cup coverage next year.

The Reason Behind Lineker’s Departure

The decision comes after Lineker was criticized for sharing a post about Zionism with an image of a rat. He apologized, stating that he did not see the image and "never deliberately posted something anti-Semitic." Lineker said, "However, I recognize the mistake and the offense that I caused, and I repeat how sorry I am. The step back now feels like the responsible approach."

Lineker’s Future Plans

In November, the 64-year-old announced that this season would be his last as a presenter of the Match of the Day. It was expected that he would continue to work on the BBC’s FA Cup and World Cup coverage, but after the last day of the Premier League season on Sunday, his relationship with the company will come to an end.

The Rest is Football Podcast

The podcast, which features discussions about the greatest stories in football with Match of the Day sidekicks Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will continue to be available on other platforms. The original deal with Goalhanger, announced last November, included a "one-year contract with the option to extend, with episodes available on BBC Sounds for three years."

Other Goalhanger Productions

Another popular podcast produced by Goalhanger, "The Rest is History," hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, will continue to be available on BBC Sounds. Other titles in the Goalhanger stable include "The Rest is Politics" and "The Rest is Entertainment."