Mitch Fenner: BBC commentator under fire for 'fake Chinese accent' during World Gymnastics Championships

BBC sports commentator Mitch Fenner has come under fire for putting on a "fake Chinese accent" during a World Gymnastics Championships broadcast. He has been accused of "casual racism" and the BBC has admitted his words might have been "offensive".

The incident occurred when the camera panned to two Chinese fans who were cheering and holding up a national flag. Fenner said in a mock accent: "Oh wow, they say, look at that, we're from China." His co-presenter Matt Baker attempted to change the subject immediately after Fenner made the comment but viewers were quick to take to social media in disbelief and anger. Some called for the BBC to fire the presenter.

A spokesperson for the BBC said: "The commentator has been advised that the tone of his commentary on this occasion might be considered offensive to some people, which he has acknowledged."

Fenner, 69, is the head coach of the Dutch men's gymnastics team and a frequent commentator for the BBC. He has been commenting on world gymnastics since 1979 and was covering the men's final in Glasgow on 29 October when he made the comments.