All the celebrities and famous faces backing Gary Lineker amid antisemitism row

Gary Lineker has been publicly backed by a large number of celebrities including his ex-wife Danielle Bux, Alan Shearer and The Apprentice host Lord Sugar, following the news of his early departure from the BBC.

The presenter, 64, came under fire last week for sharing a social media post about Zionism that featured an image of a rat, which is commonly used as an antisemitic slur.

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

Lineker will no longer front the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season, and he will step down as a presenter following Sunday's Match Of The Day.

But which stars have backed Lineker publicly? Here’s the full list.

Lineker’s ex-wife Danielle Bux, who frequently shares her support for Palestine, was one of the first to back Lineker publicly.

She wrote on a social media post: “One of the most decent, honorable human beings I know. Keep shining.”

Lineker's Match of the Day colleague and commentator Alan Shearer wrote: “Thank you for everything.”

Shearer is the only Match of the Day colleague to write a message for Lineker publicly.

The BBC's decision to fire him was described by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign as "a shameful moment for the publicly funded broadcaster".

The campaign’s statement in full read: “We are sorry to see Gary Lineker stepping away from the BBC – a shameful moment for the publicly funded broadcaster following months of pressure from pro-Israel lobby groups in response to his speaking out against the genocide Israel is unleashing upon Palestinians.”

Kneecap, an Irish rap group that has been embroiled in its own Palestine-related controversy lately, showed its support by using a series of clapping emojis under Lineker's post.

The Apprentice host Lord Sugar also tweeted his support on X: “I am sure that Gary Lineker will show up at another broadcaster before the start of the next season.

“Sky for example are making a big thing now that they have secured over 200 games next Premier League season. See you on SKY or TNT Gary.”

TNT Sports presenter Rio Ferdinand, who also worked with the BBC, kept his message simple but supportive.

He posted a Goat [Greatest of All Time] emoji, while jokingly adding: “See you soon!”

In response to Lineker’s apology video, former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon retweeted and wrote: “I agree. There’s not a single bad bone in this man’s body.”

In a separate post, he said: “I think Gary Lineker is a brave and principled man. He cares deeply about children being starved by Netenyahu . About the vast numbers of innocent people that have been killed without justification. So many children. His views are in line with Amnesty. He is kind and decent.”

Former BBC Radio 4 broadcaster Sangita Myska also chimed in, tweeting: “Gary Lineker's biggest 'error' was to care about the ongoing slaughter of children in Gaza and call it such in public. It's the kind of 'error' more people should make.”

Radio 2's DJ Spoony, whose real name is Johnathan Joseph, said on Instagram: “Thank you for all your broadcasting magic, Gary. You'll look back and be proud of your career.”

Dillagi actress and TV commentator Narinder Kaur wrote a long and emotional statement about Lineker’s exit.

She tweeted: “I feel incredibly sorry for Gary Lineker...he made one mistake, a genuine mistake. He has apologised. He's resigned. You can all calm tf down now.

“The silver lining is he is now FREE from the shackles of the BBC and carry on fighting for children being slaughtered and starved to death as we speak...history will remember you kindly Gary.”

Comedian and former Sky Sports presenter Lloyd Griffith didn’t shy away from showing support and wrote: “You're a really great human.”

Presenter & DJ Ashley James also commented: “You're such a voice for good and always have been. You're an amazing broadcaster and I hope you're OK - the last week must have been incredibly tough.”