Geoffrey Boycott apologised after being heavily criticised for the comment he made
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott has apolgoised after making a racist remark during a question and answer session at a VIP lunch during the first Test between England and the West Indies at Edgbaston.
Boycott, who commentates on the BBC’s Test Match Special radio programme, attempted to make a joke about getting a knighthood, saying that he would only receive one if he “blacked up” his face.
In the lead-up to that comment, he compared knighthoods to “confetti” when they were handed out to West Indian legends.
As of now, 11 West Indian players – Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Richard Richardson, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Conrad Hunte, Sir Wesley Hall, Sir Curtly Ambrose and Sir Learie Constantine – have been bestowed with the honour.
“Mine’s been turned down twice,” he told Sky Sports presenter Gary Newbon, who was the event’s host. “I’d better black me face.”
His remarks were met with an uneasy silence as there were several black guests that had paid nearly £300 to attend the event.
The 76-year-old was heavily criticised for his remark, with one of the guests in attendance lashing out and calling him a “dinosaur”.
Boycott subsequently took to Twitter to issue an apology.
Tweet 1 of 3: Speaking at an informal gathering I was asked a question and I realise my answer was unacceptable…
— Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) August 22, 2017
Tweet 2/3: I meant no offence but what I said was clearly wrong and I apologise unreservedly..
— Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) August 22, 2017
Tweet 3/3: I have loved West Indian cricket my whole life and have the utmost respect for its players.
— Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) August 22, 2017
“Speaking at an informal gathering I was asked a question and I realise my answer was unacceptable,” he wrote. “I meant no offence but what I said was clearly wrong and I apologise unreservedly.
“I have loved West Indian cricket my whole life and have the utmost respect for its players.”
The BBC has since confirmed that Boycott will not be asked to resign from his role with the Test Match Special programme.
“He has rightly apologised unreservedly for these clearly unacceptable comments,” a BBC spokesman said. “He will be part of the team for the West Indies Tests.”