Aussie commentator sacked for racist comment

By Tarryn Le Chat

Former Australian test player, Dean Jones was sacked from his job as a commentator yesterday after referring to South African Muslim batsman Hasim Amla as a "terrorsit".

Jones, who admitted making the comment and apologised, was on a TV commentary team covering the second test between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Colombo.

According to a statement issued by Cricket South Africa (CSA) yesterday, viewers heard Jones say, "the terrorist has got another wicket" when Amla took the catch that dismissed Kumar Sangakkara.

Amla is a devout muslim who sports a beard for religious reasons and has succesfully negotiated with the South African team's main sponsors, SA Breweries, not to wear the Castle Larger logo on his playing and practice gear.

Gerald Majola, CSA chief executive said, "We take the strongest exception to this comment, and we will lodge an official complaint with the host broadcaster, Ten sports, that employs him. We will be asking for his immediate suspension and a full apology".

Jones says, "It was a silly comment, but I didnt think anyone would hear me".

According to the Cape Times, switchboards of both the CSA and Supersport, that takes a feed of the broadcast to South African audiences, have been jammed with calls from angry people.

The match is being broadcast live in South Africa.

Picture: www.daijiworld.com

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