The Olympic broadcaster has removed one of its commentators from its lineup after he made sexist comments during the swimming events in Paris.
Eurosport has removed veteran commentator Bob Ballard from its roster for “immediate effect” following comments made during Saturday night’s broadcast, after Molly O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeown and Meg Harris won gold for Australia in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay.
“Well, the ladies are just finishing up. You know what it’s like to hang out and put on makeup,” Ballard said on air.
British swimmer Lizzy Symonds, who was commentating with Ballard, called the comments “outrageous.” The video, shared on social media, drew heavy criticism and Eurosport decided to drop Ballard on Sunday.
“During last night’s Eurosport broadcast, commentator Bob Ballard made inappropriate comments. As a result he has been removed from the pundit list with immediate effect,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
Ballard, a veteran of numerous Olympic and high-profile sporting events, has yet to comment publicly about the incident. Athletic Swimming Australia has been contacted for comment.
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Olympics broadcaster fires commentator over ‘outrageous’ sexist comments
