'Find better pals!': Piers Morgan faces backlash as he throws support behind Gary Lineker

has come under fire after he shared his support for his close friend hours after he was axed from . On Sunday (May 18), it was announced that the veteran broadcaster was leaving the flagship channel following a social media post on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

On Monday (May 19) the 64-year-old broadcaster released a statement confirming his exit from the company after 26 years after sharing a controversial pro-Palestine video on Instagram, which attracted accusations of antisemitism. He wrote: "I care deeply about the game [football], and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic - it goes against everything I stand for.

"However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action." The host is set to make his final appearance for the broadcaster this weekend when he fronts Match of the Day.

He was always due to leave MOTD after this weekend but was set to host the coverage of the 2026 World Cup next summer, which he now no longer will.

As the dust begins to settle for the footballer-turned-pundit, the former Good Morning Britian host has shown his support to the dad-of-four with a jokey post online.

Sharing a snap of himself beaming beside Gary, who can be seen sporting an apron with 'Chef Gaz' emblazoned on the front, he shared a supportive post to the star online.

He captioned the post: "Delighted to announce that I've hired a new personal cook. Welcome, Chef Gaz @garylineker - I've heard great things about what a decent, loyal, talented, entertaining bloke you are... just no social media posting while you're in the kitchen please."

It didn't take long before fans flooded to the comments to share their disappointment in his support online. One user fumed: "Find yourself better pals Piers [shocked emoji]" as another agreed: "Not a good look... wow. Really?" A third fumed: "Wow! After Lineker's anti-semitic post, you now doing this is disgraceful! I thought you were better than that!"

A fourth added: "Wow, Piers. Really showing your colours with this one. Evidently reposting emojis of Jews as rats doesn't concern you. As a long-time viewer, this is sad."

Others joked: "Hope you can afford him... he roasted the BBC for ££££s [cry-laughing post]" as another quipped: "Pair of pigeons."