Sky Sports issue grovelling apology after commentator makes outrageous comments at 9.12am
SKY SPORTS had to issue a grovelling on-air apology following some controversial comments from commentator Graeme Smith.
Sky Sports apologised for Graeme Smith's comments on air
Smith was commentating on the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth when he let rip with a 'b*****king' rant at 9.12am.
The former South Africa captain had just seen number 10 batsman Kesav Maharaj heave across the line to Nathan Lyon just seven balls into his innings.
The Proteas were well set on 323 for 8 but with AB de Villiers unbeaten on 100 at the other end, the shot looked ill-advised.
As it happened Maharaj got away with it. He was caught on the boundary by Usman Khawaja but the Aussie had a foot over the rope at the same time so the tailender was given a reprieve.
Still, that didn't stop Smith getting stuck in.
AB de Villiers helped South Africa reach 382 against Australia
He fumed: "Maharaj will be getting a b*****king for that from AB de Villiers.
"He's got away with it but he'll still be getting a b*****king."
Smith is working for host broadcaster SuperSport in South Africa but the commentary feed is taken by Sky Sports in the UK.
Sky Sports host David Fulton was forced to apologise for the 'comments on commentary' but fans on Twitter appeared to have Smith's back.
One wrote: "Glorious, unexpected, repeated use of the word 'bollocking' by Graeme Smith on the cricket commentary this morning."
Another said: "Not sure what’s better-AB’s batting or Graeme Smith using the term ‘bollocking’ on live tv #SAvAUS."
"Why apologise Graeme Smith is absolutely right he deserved the mother of all b*****kigs for that stupidity," wrote another.
A fellow fan tweeted: "Will @GraemeSmith49 get a b*ll*cking for using the word b*ll*cking on TV at 0912hrs UK time?"
Maharaj continued his attacking style and fell for 30 off 24 balls - including three fours and two sixes - as South Africa built a big lead.