Gary Lineker is to depart from his role at the BBC sooner than scheduled after issuing an apology for sharing a since-deleted social media video about Zionism.
As the Premier League season edges to a finish, champions Liverpool appear to have taken their eye off the ball after falling to another defeat, this time to Brighton.
Transfer speculation is already ramping up for the summer, with Jack Grealish’s future the subject of intense speculation after his non-appearance in Manchester City’s FA Cup final defeat on Saturday.
And England midfielder Angel Gomes is set to spark a fight for his signature between numerous top-flight clubs – and others – after announcing his departure from French club Lille.
Lineker to depart BBC role
Lineker has confirmed he will leave the BBC sooner than scheduled and issued an unreserved apology for a social media video he shared.
The 64-year-old presenter will leave the corporation after this weekend’s Match Of The Day and will no longer front its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season.
Lineker, who shared a post – which was subsequently deleted – about Zionism that featured a picture of a rat, said in a video on Instagram: “I would like once again to say I’m sorry, unreservedly, for the hurt and upset caused, it was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent, I know that.”
Champions fall to defeat at Brighton
Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning hangover continued as Jack Hinshelwood’s late goal secured a thrilling 3-2 victory for Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Arne Slot’s men have now taken only a point from three games since clinching the title on April 27, while victory maintains Brighton’s slim hopes of qualifying for next year’s Conference League.
Liverpool looked on course for victory when Dominik Szoboszlai fired home a classy effort after Seagulls midfielder Yasin Ayari had cancelled out Harvey Elliott’s early opener.
But Mohamed Salah, making his 300th Premier League appearance, missed an open goal to stretch the visitors’ lead before Kaoru Mitoma equalised and fellow Albion substitute Hinshelwood pounced five minutes from time.
Grealish future in the balance
Pep Guardiola has said a decision will be made on Grealish’s Manchester City future at the end of the season.
The England international, signed for £100million four years ago, has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium since his starring role in the 2023 treble-winning campaign.
The 29-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, has made just seven Premier League starts this term and was not summoned from the bench during Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.
Guardiola insists nothing has yet been determined and discussions will take place between outgoing director of football Txiki Begiristain, his successor Hugo Viana and the player’s representatives.
Guardiola said: “We didn’t talk, I didn’t talk with him. People don’t believe me, but these things belong to the agents and the club and Txiki, and in this case Hugo as well. Both will decide.”
England star Gomes leaving Lille
Gomes has announced that he is leaving Lille this summer in a development that is set to spark the interest of a number of Premier League clubs.
The England midfielder announced in a statement on his Instagram account that his four-year stay with the Ligue 1 club has come to an end.
It means the 24-year-old will become available on a free transfer – with Tottenham, West Ham and his former club Manchester United reported to be interested.
Gomes wrote: “After four unforgettable years at LOSC Lille, it’s time for me to say goodbye.
“This club has been more than just a team – it’s been a family, a home, and a place that has shaped me both on and off the pitch.”
What’s on today?
Be there tomorrow night to welcome your FA Cup winners back to Selhurst Park 😍👇#CPFC
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 19, 2025
Manchester City must put their FA Cup final disappointment behind them as they prepare to face Bournemouth with their hopes of Champions League qualification still in the balance.
There is sure to be a party mood at Selhurst Park when Crystal Palace return home to face Wolves with the celebrations of their first major trophy still in full swing.
