Gary Lineker quits BBC - Piers Morgan's shock to Alan Shearer's three-word message

Gary Lineker will present his following his , which was slammed as antisemitic. In a statement regarding the pro-Palestine post, which featured an picture of a rat - historically used as an antisemitic insult - the former footballer, 65, said in an emotional Instagram video: “I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am."

The dad-of-three was supposed to host the ’s World Cup and coverage next season, but that's been scrapped Following the news of Gary's departure, a number of celebrities have responded to his end of an era announcement, including the star's long-time nemesis, ...

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Piers Morgan

Former presenter, Piers Morgan, has been feuding with Gary for years. However, sharing an article about the former footballer's departure from the , the outspoken host wrote seemed shocked as he simply responded: "Wow…"

The article shared by Piers reported Gary's departure and suggested the star was leaving by "mutual agreement," with his final Match of the Day .

It came after Gary was asked to name the "absolute worst person" he has ever worked with on ITV's The Assembly. Responding, the Walkers star teased: "I'm struggling ... I'm trying to find someone. It's a shame I never worked with Piers Morgan, isn't it?"

Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer, who hosts The Rest Is podcast alongside Gary and Micah Richards, was among those leaving messages for the Tottenham Hotspur star, responding: “Thank you for everything.”

Alan supported Gary when he was temporarily suspended from MOTD in 2023 following his social media post comparing the former government's asylum policy to Nazi Germany. Backing his friend, the Newcastle Utd star boycotted the show, which Gary's son George said moved his dad to tears.

George Lineker

Gary's oldest son, George, previously said he was "proud of the old man" when the England star previously criticised the former government' asylum seeker policy.

George said his father shouldn't apologise for being 'a good person and standing by his word' as he thanked the public for their 'overwhelming' support amid the BBC impartiality row.

In response to the news that Gary will now leave the BBC for good, he responded with two closed fist emojis, backing his dad again.

John Bishop

Scouse comedian John Bishop was also among the celebrities commending Gary for his 30-year tenure with the corporation.

Responding to his Instagram post, he said: "Gary you leave a great legacy as a player , as a presenter and as a man. Good luck with everything else you do next."

Richard Bacon

Former Blue Peter presenter, Richard Bacon, who recently debated on Question Time, praised Gary for being so "principled".

Taking to the comments section, Richard, who in 1998 was sacked by the BBC after admitting to taking cocaine a week after Blue Peter's 40th anniversary celebrations replied: "You are a magnificent human. And a magnificent broadcaster. I’m so proud of the principled stands you have taken."

Iwan Thomas

Iwan Thomas, who ran for at two Olympic Games and has worked on the BBC's sports coverage, has shared a message of his own.

"Always been a proper gentleman since met and occasionally worked with since the mid 90s," he wrote under Gary's post.

He added: "Without doubt one of, if not the BEST broadcasters of my generation, oh and not bad at sticking a ball in the net too... good luck in the future."

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