Gary Lineker: Palestine support mattered more than job

• Gary Lineker says losing his BBC role mattered less than preserving his dignity after speaking out on Palestine.
• Lineker and writer Afua Hirsch discussed the pressures faced by public figures who express support for Palestine.

Former England footballer and broadcaster Gary Lineker said losing his role as host of the BBC’s Match of the Day after speaking out on Palestine was less important to him than staying true to his principles.

"That didn’t matter to me, losing my job. What mattered to me was losing my dignity," Lineker said.

Following his departure from the BBC, Lineker and broadcaster and writer Afua Hirsch spoke with Palestine Deep Dive hosts Ahmed Alnaouq and Hala Hanina about the personal consequences of publicly expressing political views and the pressures faced by figures who speak according to their conscience.

The discussion focused on why many people feel unable to speak publicly about Palestine and the criticism, pressure and smear campaigns that some public figures face after doing so.

"It’s designed to intimidate us," Hirsch said. "If you dare do what Gary has done and speak out... we will find a way to take you down."

She also questioned the purpose of having a public platform if it is not used to advocate for issues one believes in.

"What is the point of having a platform if you don’t use it to stand for something?" Hirsch said.

Lineker said that, despite the controversy surrounding his departure, speaking out had ultimately improved his life.

"If it helps at all to people that are perhaps contemplating speaking out, since I did it, and since I finished my job at the BBC, life has been much better," he said.