A British Eurosport commentator has been suspended from Olympic coverage after making a sexist comment live on air, prompting intense criticism on social media.
Bob Ballard, formerly of the BBC, commentated on the women’s 4×100 relay, won by Australia’s Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack, Molly O’Calloghan and Meg Harris. The swimmers lingered in the aquatic centre after the medal ceremony and the commentator said: “Well, the women are finishing up. You know what they’re like… walking around, putting on make-up.”
Given the fallout from his comments, Eurosport has suspended him from covering the Games. “Commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment during Eurosport’s coverage last night. As a result, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect,” the channel said in a statement.