Giro d’Italia commentator Robbie McEwen apologises for using homophobic slur during Eurosport broadcast
GIRO D’ITALIA commentator Robbie McEwen apologised for accidentally using a homophobic slur on air.
The retired Australian was behind the microphone for Eurosport during the racing on Wednesday.
His co-commentator Rob Hatch described his lunch and revealed how he had bought some fudge on his break but eaten it already.
McEwen replied: “You’ve gone in the fudge shop and you’ve consumed it straight away.
“The fudge packers were wasting their time.”
“Fudge packer” is a derogatory term for a homosexual male.
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Plenty of viewers highlighted the slur on social media.
And McEwen tweeted his apology on Thursday afternoon.
He wrote: “I unintentionally used an offensive phrase during my commentary on Stage 10, and I regret both saying it and not immediately apologising on air.
“I’m genuinely sorry for the language I used, and for letting the team down, but mostly I want to say sorry to anyone who I offended.”
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Global Cycling Network, who provide the TV feed for Eurosport, also said sorry and removed the gaffe from their highlights.
The broadcaster said: “Cycling is a sport for all and everyone should feel welcome.
“We chose not to publish stage 10 coverage until an offensive phrase was removed and we apologise to anyone offended during the broadcast.
“The full stage will soon be available in English without this section of commentary.”
Spaniard Juan Pedro Lopez currently leads the Giro d’Italia general classification and will wear the pink jersey again for Saturday’s 14th stage.
He leads Richard Carapaz and Joao Almeida by 12 seconds following today’s dramatic sprint finish.
McEwen, 49, won the points classification of the Tour de France three times from 12 appearances.
And he was widely recognised as one of the greatest sprint riders in the world.
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The Brisbane-born star enjoyed a 16-year professional road cycling career and retired in 2012 before stepping into the media.
In 2019, McEwen was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.