OLYMPICS COMMENTATOR FIRED OVER SEXIST REMARK

Veteran sports commentator Bob Ballard was dropped from the Eurosport commentating team after he made sexist comments about the Australian women’s swim team.

Ballard has been a sports reporter since the mid-1980s and has reported on several Olympic games.

Team Australia won the gold medal in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay and they celebrated inside the Paris Aquatic Centre. Ballard commented on the team taking too long to leave, saying:

“Well, the women just finishing off. You know what women are like hanging around, doing their makeup.”

That comment wasn’t well received by his Eurosport co-host and former Olympian Lizzie Simmonds.

She expressed her disgust while Ballard laughed.

“Outrageous, Bob. Some of the men are doing that as well.”

In a statement released only hours after the remark, Eurosport released a statement confirming Ballard’s axing.

“We can confirm that Bob Ballard has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”

Ballard took to social media to apologise on Monday, posting a statement.

“The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence. It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport.”

Image credit: Manchester Evening News