Broadcaster says sorry for Lawrenson’s “skirt” comment.
The BBC have apologised after receiving 172 viewer complaints about a sexist comment made by pundit Mark Lawrenson during their live coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland Lawrenson made the offending comment during Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time win over Switzerland on Tuesday.
After Swiss forward Josip Drmic chipped a weak shot straight into the hands of Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, 57-year-old Lawrenson quipped that the player “should have put a skirt on”.
Many viewers immediately took to Twitter to vent their outrage.
“Should put a skirt on” lmao Mark Lawrenson I really hope you lose your job you Neanderthal
— Hannah ✌️ (@hannahscraic) July 1, 2014
Did anyone else just notice Mark Lawrenson’s horribly sexist remark?
— Alex Sambrook (@sambroooook) July 1, 2014
SHOULD HAVE PUT A SKIRT ON!! Don’t appreciate that casual sexist remark by Mark Lawrenson. Not one bit #bbcworldcup
— Megan Enlli (@Cau_Dy_Geg) July 1, 2014
The BBC responded the the complaints with the following statement: ‘We acknowledge that the remark by commentator Mark Lawrenson about Switzerland’s Josip Drmić was inappropriate and we apologise for any offence caused by it.”
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