A New Zealand television rugby commentator who adopted a mock Asian accent during a post-game interview last week has been stood down by broadcaster Sky Sport.
Joe Wheeler, a former NZ Maori representative who commentates for cable network Sky Sport, used the accent after the Super Rugby Aotearoa match between the Highlanders and Crusaders on April 2.
You can watch the incident in the video above
Speaking with Highlanders flyhalf Mitchell Hunt, Wheeler referenced the performance of Japan international flanker Kazuki Himeno who started a match for the Highlanders for the first time.
Wheeler’s comments included calling Himeno “leally impressive,” triggering swift protests on social media at the time.
“He was leally impressive, wasn’t he? He was leally, leally good,” Wheeler said.
Twitter user Trina Garnett said the comments were “disgusting”.
“Poor taste at the best of times but considering how badly the Asian community are being targeted right now it’s especially disgusting,” she wrote on Twitter.
“Sky Sport shouldn’t even pay for his flight home, he should have to walk, that’s disgraceful,” Twitter user Jaime Pitt-MacKay wrote.
The comments were soon picked up by media outlets around the world, including in Asian countries where his actions were condemned.
Sky Sport has since made the decision to remove Wheeler from his duties, noting the former player had “work to do” before he picked up the microphone again for the broadcaster.
“Joe Wheeler has apologised for his comments and Sky has made it clear where we stand,” a Sky Sport spokesperson said.
“Joe has acknowledged that he has some work to do and we’re supporting him through this. Joe is off air at this time.”
Wheeler apologised on Twitter for his racist actions, saying he was committed to doing better.
“Tonight I stuffed up!” he said. “I’ve spoken with (Kazuki Himeno) and apologised to him and the Highlanders and our Sky crew.
“I absolutely accept this is not the standard expected of the sideline team. I’ve got some work to do obviously, but I’m absolutely committed to doing better.”
Wheeler played Super Rugby for both the Crusaders and Highlanders and played in Japan for four years for Suntory Sungoliath.
A Sky Sport statement reiterated Wheeler had apologised to Himeno.
“Joe Wheeler has spoken with Kazuki and apologised to him and to team management,” the statement said. “He absolutely accepts this is not the standard expected of the broadcast team.”
Himeno indicated he had accepted Wheeler’s apology.
“It’s OK Joe,” he tweeted. “Let’s enjoy and celebrate our big victory.”
– With AAP