Gary Lineker, ex-football and star presenter of the BBC on Gaza: “to be silent is to be an accomplice”

Caught in a media storm after sharing a pro-Palestinian publication deemed offensive, Gary Lineker refuses to be silent. The famous British BBC presenter, former striker of the England team, said: “If you keep silent on Gaza, you are an accomplice”saying that he only seeks “Do what is right”.

Before becoming one of the emblematic faces of British television, Lineker distinguished himself as one of the greatest scorers of his time, especially during the 1986 World Cup where he won the Golden Soulier. Passed by Leicester, Everton, FC Barcelona and Tottenham, he scored 48 goals in 80 selections with Three Lions.

The indignation broke out following an Instagram post in which an illustration of a rat appeared, a symbol historically associated with anti -Semitism. Faced with reactions, especially from Jewish members of the BBC and Board of Deputies of British Jews, Lineker apologized “Without reservation”while reaffirming his conviction of the situation in Gaza, which he describes as “Depraved” And “Unimaginable”. “I take full responsibility for this error,” said Lineker, 64. “I would never knowingly share anything anti -Semitic. It goes against everything I think. »» Speaking in the Telegraphhe denounced the inaction of Western powers: “We continue to provide weapons. The majority of people now see things as they are. »»

In a context where critical voices of Israeli politics are often marginalized within the major British media, Lineker’s position is an exception. His refusal to give in to pressure, despite calls for his resignation, illustrates the growing difficulty of publicly defending the Palestinian cause without being immediately taxed by anti -Semitism. This burning debate also reveals, in hollow, the tense climate in which today journalists, artists and public figures in the United Kingdom evolve, summoned to choose their camp at the risk of their careers.