Sky Sports News apologises after on-air racial slur
Dick Best said he picked Delon Armitage in his Lions XV because he is black
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Tuesday, 21, Apr 2009 05:36
Former international rugby coach Dick Best is likely to come under fire after making an on-air racial slur directed against England full-back Delon Armitage.
Best was being interviewed by Sky Sports News at Heathrow ahead of today's squad announcement for the British and Irish Lions.
And after his choices for the Lions' first XV were published on-screen, which included Armitage out of position on the wing, Best was asked why he had selected the England man over impressive Ireland winger Tommy Bowe.
"You've always got to have a coloured boy in the team," Best remarked.
Coverage then cut back to a visibly shocked presenter Mike Wedderburn, who is black.
Soon afterwards Wedderburn's co-presenter Millie Clode issued an apology, stating: "[Dick Best] made remarks that he thought were off-camera.
"We would like to apologise for any offence this may have caused."
A spokesperson for Ofcom confirmed to inthenews.co.uk that, as yet, no complaints have been received.
Best is a well-respected name in rugby circles, having been on the England coaching team under Geoff Cooke as well as a member of the 1993 Lions tour staff in New Zealand.
He has also worked as a journalist, broadcaster and an agent.