Mark Lawrenson
Mark Lawrenson has been accused of sexism after saying Switzerland striker "should've put a skirt on" after he fired a weak shot Getty

The BBC has received 154 complaints over an alleged sexist comment made by commentator Mark Lawrenson during the Argentina versus Switzerland World Cup match.

The pundit had just seen Swiss striker Josip Drmic follow up a promising run with a weak shot when he said the 21-year-old "should've put a skirt on".

The comment sparked outcry on social media, which was flooded with condemnation towards the 57-year-old, and forced the BBC to apologise to viewers.

A BBC spokesperson told IBTimes UK: "The remark was inappropriate and we apologise for any offence caused".

It is not the first time Lawrenson, who has worked for the BBC as a Match of the Day pundit and for Radio Five Live, has been in hot water over comments he has made on air.

The former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland defender was forced to apologise in 2011 for comments he made about German internationals Lars and Sven Bender.

Lawrenson said: "Two Benders playing against London clubs, that's unusual." after which co-commentatore Simon Brotherton responded: "I just thought I'd stay away from that and leave that one to you, Mark, because I knew you'd make some kind of comment."

Argentina eventually squeezed past Switzerland 1-0 after Angel Di Maria scored deep into extra time.

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