BBC's Dan Walker makes heartbreaking 'goodbye' post after Gary Lineker scandal

has said that Match of the Day "won't be the same" as Gary Lineker officially stepped down from his role over the weekend. The 64-year-old former footballer announced in November that he was stepping down as host of the BBC programme, but it has now been confirmed that he will no longer be staying with the broadcaster. Gary was embroiled in a row over a social media post and previously "apologised unreservedly" for sharing a pro-Palestine post illustrated with a rat. He also insisted he didn't intend to cause offense, but still felt it was "responsible" to step away from his BBC commitments. Gary deleted the post when he learned about the symbolism of the rat and insisted he would "never knowingly share anything antisemitic".

Taking to Instagram, Dan posted an image with the caption saying, "Match of the Day won't be the same. It was always a pleasure to present the show, but it was always Gary's chair. Brilliant career on the pitch matched by a brilliant stint on the biggest football show on the telly #motd."

Dan previously hosted the BBC's Football Focus for 12 years, covering numerous national and international footballing events, including the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

Gary's last appearance came yesterday on Sunday's (25.05.25) episode of Match of the Day, which marked the end of the season. He was originally meant to stay on to present the Football World Cup coverage and next season's FA Cup coverage.

The football star added in a separate video shared to Instagram: "I've stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor. There's no place for it and never should be."

After thanking the "brilliant, talented" people he has worked with during his "long and wonderful" stint with the broadcaster, he noted it was "the right time for the organisation and myself to go our separate ways."

BBC director general Tim Davie said: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.

"Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."