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The BBC today apologised after commentator Peter Alliss sparked a sexism row at the climax to the Open.
With eventual winner Zach Johnson preparing for his putt to win the second Major of his career, Allis said as the camera cut to the player’s wife Kim: “She is probably thinking, ‘if this goes in I get a new kitchen’.”
It led to an angry response on social media with Leslie-Anne Wade, the manager of three-time Open winner Nick Faldo, accusing Alliss of being “sexist”.
The BBC responded by saying: “Peter made a light-hearted comment which was inappropriate and we apologise if anyone was offended.”
The 84-year-old caused a stir just 24 hours earlier when Irish amateur Paul Dunne was caught on camera being hugged by his mother. Alliss said: “Ah, that must be mum. Perhaps he likes older women. I don’t know but I hope I got the right one.”
The BBC was criticised yesterday after deciding not to start live coverage of the final round until 1.45pm, six hours after play started.
