The ex-player of the English national cricket team was accused of racism.
After his national team career, Isa Guha became a commentator. PDO
Commentator Father Guhan the statement caused an uproar on Sunday, says the BBC.
Guha was commentating on the India vs Australia practice cricket match for Fox Sports. of India Jasprit Bumrah started the match strongly, after which Guhan described him as MVP.
The abbreviation comes from the words most valuable player and means the most important player. However, Guha didn’t say that.
– He’s the MVP, isn’t he? The most important primate [eng. most valuable primate]. He is leading India. That’s why before the match there was a lot of focus on him and whether he can play, Guha said.
According to ABC a fellow commentator reacts on the broadcast immediately.
– Oh, the broadcast said.
The comment quickly rose to social media discussions. It was equated to monkey barking, i.e. extremely racist. According to ABC, at the beginning of the 2000s, films were released in which a chimpanzee who tried sports was called by the name Guha used on Sunday.
In recent years, racist chants have been heard in matches between India and Australia. Played for Australia Andrew Symonds was subjected to racism in 2007 and 2008.
Apology
Jasprit Bumrah started Sunday’s match strongly. EPA/AOP
On Monday, Guha apologized for his words on TV.
– I used a word that can be interpreted in many ways. I want to apologize for offending. If you listen to my entire statement, you will realize that I just wanted to praise one of India’s greatest players. I adore him.
Guha, who previously played for England, explained that he only wanted to highlight the significance of Bumrah’s achievements.
– I chose the wrong word. I’m really sorry about that. My roots are in South Asia. I hope people understand that I did not mean anything else with my comment or was malicious.
Guha was born in England. His parents are Indian.
India’s ex-coach Ravi Shastri also works as a commentator for Fox Sports. He accepted the apology.
– People are allowed to make mistakes. It takes courage to apologize for them.