BBC Deluged with Complaints Over Mark Lawrenson 'Skirt' Comment During Argentina versus Switzerland World Cup Commentary
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".
@BBCSport Is sexism okay on the #BBC now? Found Mark Lawrenson's "he should have put a skirt on" insulting. He should engage his brain.
— Jenny Thomson Author (@jenthom72) July 2, 2014
#bbc #theFA Mark Lawrenson- "Should have put a skirt on" derogatory sexist comment encouraging diversity and promoting women's football NOT!
— donnafairhurst (@donna_fairhurst) July 2, 2014
Lawro after a weak shot on BBC: "He should put a skirt on"
And that is why he's an archaic irrelevance that has no place on the TV.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) July 1, 2014It 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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