England cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott has apologised for an “unacceptable” comment about West Indian cricketers.
The BBC commentator has been branded a “dinosaur” after telling an audience in Birmingham he would stand a better chance of getting knighted if he “blacked up”.
The 76-year-old made the comment during a Q&A session at Edgbaston Cricket Ground during the day-night Test against the West Indies on Saturday.
Speaking to VIP guests during a break in play, the BBC Test Match Special commentator said knighthoods were handed out like “confetti” to West Indies greats.
He told Sky Sports presenter Gary Newbon, hosting the session: “Mine’s been turned down twice. I’d better black me face.”
The 76-year-old has now described his comments as “clearly wrong” and added that he loves West Indian cricket and has “the utmost respect for its players.”
Boycott wrote on Twitter: “Speaking at an informal gathering I was asked a question and I realise my answer was unacceptable…
“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.”
A source told our sister title The Daily Mirror : “It was a crass comment. It was intended to get a laugh but it went down like a lead balloon. People were offended.”
Among the 11 West Indian cricketers knighted are Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Viv Richards.
The source said: “Is Boycott suggesting these great West Indians got knighthoods merely because of the colour of their skin? Birmingham is celebrated for its ethnic diversity and racial tolerance.
“We can do without dinosaurs like him spouting rubbish.”
Community activist Desmond Jaddoo said Boycott’s comments were “like something from the dark ages”.
He added: “They were ill-advised and ill-conceived.
“The West Indian cricketers received knighthoods because they excelled on the cricket field.
“He should take a long, hard look at why he doesn’t have a knighthood rather than offending those who do have one.”
Meanwhile Edgbaston’s Labour MP Preet Gill said of Boycott’s rant: “Let’s call it what it is, it’s irresponsible, it’s racism.”
The last England star to get a knighthood for services to cricket was Sir Ian Botham in 2007. Before that it was Sir Alec Bedser in 1997.
Boycott, who scored 151 centuries and played 108 Tests for England, says he is being blocked from the honour because he was convicted in France of beating ex Margaret Moore in 1996. He fought the conviction but it was upheld.
Boycott of Boston Spa, West Yorks, retired from international cricket in 1982 – two years after being awarded an OBE.
In 2002 he beat throat cancer and went on to land a BBC commentating role in 2004.
He did not respond to the Mirror’s requests for a comment.
