Former British Footballer Gary Lineker Sparks Controversy Sharing Anti-Zionist Video Comparing Zionism to Nazism

Gary Lineker, former British footballer and broadcaster, has ignited controversy by sharing a video featuring anti-Zionist activist Tony Greenstein, who equated Zionism with Nazism. The video, originally posted by CAGE International, shows Greenstein speaking outside Kingston Crown Court in London after being acquitted last week of charges related to inviting support for Hamas. Greenstein, a 72-year-old Jewish activist whose father was an Orthodox rabbi, stated that his opposition to Zionism stems from his Jewish identity and claimed Zionism follows the tradition of Nazis who persecuted Jews. He also described the October 7 attack as "justified" and expressed support for Hamas as part of "resistance," though not for the organization itself.

Lineker's sharing of the video has provoked backlash, recalling a previous incident in 2025 when he left the BBC after posting an Instagram video against Zionism that included an image of a rat, a symbol used in Nazi anti-Semitic propaganda. At that time, Lineker apologized, saying he had not recognized the image's significance. The latest episode adds to ongoing debates about Lineker's public statements concerning Israel and Zionism.