GARY Lineker used a speech to defend his social media posts on Gaza after picking up a trophy at the National Television Awards.
The Match of the Day legend caused a major upset at the ceremony when he picked up the best presenter award, which had been won by much-loved duo Ant and Dec for more than 20 years running.
He was shortlisted for the award just months after his early exit from the BBC show in May, following a row after he shared a post about Zionism which featured a depiction of a rat – historically an antisemitic insult.
Lineker had announced last year that he would step down as presenter of the iconic highlights show at the end of the campaign, but it was initially planned for him to return to front the BBC's 2026 World Cup coverage, as well as the broadcaster's live FA Cup matches.
Lineker used his winner's speech to take a swipe at those who opposed him using his social media to speak out on issues such as Gaza and the UK Government's attitude to immigration.
He defended using his platform to "speak up on behalf of those who have no voice".
On picking up the award, he said on stage at the O2 in London: "It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award.
"Aside from presenting Match of the Day, the most iconic football show on television, for 26 years, and there’s so many amazing people I’ve worked with in front of the camera and behind the camera over that period of time.
"I want to say a massive thank you to each and every one of them because I wouldn’t be here receiving this award if it wasn’t for them.
"Also, I think it demonstrates that perhaps it’s okay sometimes for us to use our platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice.
"So thank you, it means the world."
The National Television Awards are given out based on votes from the public.
Asked if the award proves he has not been cancelled, he said: “I don’t think anyone seriously thought that I was cancelled at any point.
“It was obviously just a mistake and oversight. And I think everyone saw it for that."
Lineker had headed up Match of the Day since 1999, when he took over from Des Lynam.
The former footballer also beat competition from The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman, This Morning’s Alison Hammond and TV presenter and reality TV star Stacey Solomon.
Asked about whether he would work for the BBC again, the presenter said he was not sure and was "really looking forward to working with ITV".
The last person to win the entertainment award before Ant and Dec's run was Michael Barrymore in 2000.
