Warning: the following article contains language that some readers may find offensive
FOLLOWING TONY CASCARINO’S awkward moment yesterday, we decided to revisit some other notorious incidents, for which the term ‘putting your foot in it’ was invented…
9. A US PGA commentator uncovers the secret to Arnold Palmer’s success
“One of the reasons Arnie (Arnold Palmer) is playing so well is that, before each tee shot, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them …. Oh my god!!!!! What have I just said?!!!!”
Given that golf is traditionally a sport of gentleman in which politeness is de rigueur, it’s doubtful anyone would have noticed the commentator’s slip, were it not for his hilarious reaction.
8. David Pleat continues his peerless demonstrations of wtf-ery
(Emma Coles/EMPICS Sport)
“There’s Jermaine Defoe, checking the weather on his phone no doubt…he’s a lovely boy.”
When it comes to commentating gaffes, David Pleat surely is the undisputed king, in a field with countless contenders.
7. David Coleman has a way with words
“The big Cuban opened his legs and showed his class.”
Coleman had a reputation for making more than the odd faux pas and this one refers to Alberto Juantorena, the former track athlete, who won both the 400m and 800m Olympic titles during the 1972 Olympics, and his admirable erm… running technique.
6. Paul Wallace’s face turns to stone
“…quicker than the Belgrano.”
Paul Wallace explains that Felipe Contemponi’s confidence can take a nosedive quicker than the Belgrano. Consequently, most viewers shuddered, as Wallace belatedly realised what he’d just said.
5. Alan Brazil insults the memory of John Thaw… twice.
(Yui Mok/PA Archive/Press Association Images)
Brazil: “I was sad to hear yesterday about the death of Inspector Morse, TV’s John Shaw.”
Mike Parry: “John Thaw, Alan.”
Brazil: “Do you know, I’ve been doing that all morning. John, if you’re listening, sorry mate.”
The less said, the better.
4. Andy Gray and Richard Keys end their Sky careers in one fell swoop
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
“Well somebody better get down there and explain offside to her.”
Without realising their microphones were turned on, Andy Gray and Richard Keys engaged in a highly sexist conversation ridiculing the FA’s decision to appoint a female linesman for a game, before concluding that “the game’s gone mad”.
3. Ben Wright opens up a feminist can of worms
“Women are handicapped by having boobs. It’s not easy for them to keep their left arm straight, and that’s one of the tenets of the game.”
Ben Wright does a bad imitation of Alan Partridge.
2. Dean Jones tries to be funny and fails miserably.
“The terrorist has got another wicket.”
Like Gray and Keys, he didn’t know the microphone was on. And similarly to them, his contract with the Ten Sports network was terminated once he made this insensitive remark about Muslim cricketer Haslim Amla in 2006.
1. Ted Walsh says the kind of thing that only Ted Walsh can say.
(INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan)
“This is really a lovely horse. I once rode her mother.”
Again, there isn’t really much to say…
Can you remember any other commentating gaffes? Let us know.
