Lee Dixon apologised to American TV viewers after using the term "fag" while discussing Maurizio Sarri's smoking habit on NBC Sports on Saturday.
The former Arsenal defender was appearing as a pundit for the US broadcast network during the London derby at Stamford Bridge.
Dixon said that Sarri "might need a fag" after Chelsea surrendered a 2-0 lead to go in at half-time level with neighbours Arsenal, who battled back with goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi.
In the UK the term is commonly used as slang for cigarette, but it was likely misinterpreted by a number of viewers in America, where 'fag' is generally used as a homophobic slur.
After the final whistle, NBC presenter Arlo White was the first to issue an apology to viewers before Dixon followed suit.
White said: 'Hey everybody, during the second half we were talking about Maurizio Sarri - he's a chain smoker - and we used a British term for a cigarette.
In Pictures | Chelsea vs Arsenal | 18/08/2018
'It's very familiar in the UK, but sometimes these things are lost in translation and we meant absolutely no offence, did we, Lee?'
'No, absolutely, and if my choice of words offended anybody I'd just like to fully apologise.' Dixon replied.
Sarri's men came out victorious in a thrilling game, winning the game 3-2 thanks to a late winner from defender Marcos Alonso.
