Gary Lineker fought back tears as he delivered a scathing critique of the BBC at a London screening on Thursday evening.
The former Match of the Day presenter described the Gaza documentary as “one of the most important films I’ve ever seen, certainly the most moving.”
Speaking to the audience, Lineker paused to compose himself, saying “I might need a minute here.”
He insisted the documentary “needed to be seen” and declared that “the BBC should hold its head in shame.”
Gary Lineker hit out at the BBC over pulling a Gaza documentary
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This marks Lineker’s first public criticism of his former employer since departing the broadcaster in May.
The 64-year-old launched a blistering attack on BBC leadership, accusing those at “the very top” of bowing to external pressure.
He warned that “time’s coming where a lot of people are going to be answerable to this, and complicity is something that will come to many.”
The BBC had commissioned “Gaza: Doctors Under Attack” from independent production company Basement Films but refused to air it, citing concerns it would create “a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC.”
The documentary was given six different transmission dates across January and February, but its premiere kept being pushed back.
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Gary Lineker was axed by the BBC last month
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Channel 4 subsequently acquired the rights and aired the programme earlier this week.
The BBC stated it had been “working with Basement Films to find a way to tell the stories of these doctors on our platforms” but concluded they had “reached the end of the road with these discussions.”
Lineker’s departure from the BBC came after he shared a social media post that included a rat emoji, imagery historically used in antisemitic propaganda.
He deleted the post and issued multiple apologies, acknowledging he had caused “error and upset” before leaving a year earlier than planned.
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The documentary decision has sparked considerable internal unrest at the BBC.
More than 100 staff signed a letter criticising the move, whilst director general Tim Davie faced questions at a virtual staff meeting.
BBC Radio 5 presenter Nihal Arthanayake publicly supported Lineker’s comments, stating: “Gary Lineker is a good man. He is spot on about the BBC.”
