Gary Lineker Joins UK Protest Over Author Sally Rooney's Book Ban
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Former footballer Gary Lineker has signed an open letter supporting author Sally Rooney, whose books are being withdrawn from the UK market due to her donation plans to Palestine Action, a group designated as terrorist by Britain. The letter, also signed by actors and Nobel laureates, argues against censorship and for free speech. Rooney's publisher, Faber, is halting new book supplies to the UK market because of anti-terrorism laws preventing royalty payments. Lineker has faced previous controversies over his criticism of Israel and sharing anti-Zionist content.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gary Lineker joined a letter supporting author Sally Rooney, whose books face a UK ban due to donations to Palestine Action.
- Rooney's publisher, Faber, is stopping new book supplies to the UK market due to anti-terrorism laws.
- The letter signatories include actors Paul Mescal, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Tilda Swinton, and Nobel laureates.
- Palestine Action is designated a terrorist organization in the UK, with support punishable by up to 14 years.
- Lineker previously left the BBC over sharing an anti-Zionist video with a Nazi-associated symbol.
Former English footballer Gary Lineker has joined a public letter supporting author Sally Rooney, who faces a ban on her books in the UK. The move comes after Rooney announced she would donate royalties from her works to the pro-Palestinian organization Palestine Action, which the British government has designated as a terrorist group. Lineker, who has been a vocal critic of Israel, signed the letter published in the New Statesman magazine alongside actors Paul Mescal, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Tilda Swinton, as well as Nobel laureates Anne Carson and J. M. Coetzee.
The letter states, "Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist. Her books must be available to the public." The signatories argue that halting book distribution due to anti-terrorism legislation infringes on fundamental free speech principles, calling for the government to reverse the "absurd and repressive" situation.
The controversy began when Rooney, author of "Normal People" and "Conversations with Friends," declared her intention to donate royalties to Palestine Action. This organization was outlawed in the UK in July 2025, with financial support potentially leading to 14 years in prison. Consequently, Faber publishing house, with Rooney's agreement, decided to stop supplying new copies of her books to the British market, as UK law prohibits them from transferring royalties to the author. Existing copies in stores can still be sold.
This incident marks another controversy for Lineker regarding Israel. In May 2025, he left the BBC prematurely after sharing an anti-Zionist video on social media that included a rat illustration, a symbol previously used in Nazi propaganda. Lineker apologized, claiming he hadn't noticed the symbol and would never knowingly share antisemitic material. Despite the apology, his 25-year tenure as host of "Match of the Day" ended. He also withdrew from World Cup and FA Cup hosting duties.
Even after leaving the BBC, Lineker continued to generate debate about Israel. In August, he shared a video by anti-Zionist activist Tony Greenstein, who compared Zionism to Nazism. Greenstein, who had recently been acquitted of inciting support for Hamas, asserted his opposition to Zionism stemmed from his Jewish identity. This sharing also drew further criticism of Lineker in the British media.
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