Olympics commentator Bob Ballard sends four-word message after Paris axe confirmed

 

Olympics commentator Bob Ballard sends four-word message after Paris axe confirmed

Bob Ballard told sports broadcaster Laura Winter to "have a good one" shortly after his removal as a commentator from the Paris Olympic games was confirmed.

Ballard stirred controversy during Eurosport's coverage of the women's 4x100 relay on Saturday.The incident occurred after the Australian team - featuring Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris - secured gold for their country in sensational fashion, beating their nearest opponent in the USA team by more than a second.

The female stars made their way out of the Paris Aquatic Centre when experienced commentator Ballard made a sexist remark.

“Well, the women (are) just finishing up. You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up," Ballard was heard saying during coverage of the women's swimming.Footage of the commentary swiftly spread on social media with wide recrimination, while co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds was heard calling his words "outrageous".

Eurosport issued a statement confirming that an "inappropriate comment" had been made by Ballard. They added: "To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect."

And shortly after Eurosport issued the statement confirming his removal, Ballard was on social media wishing well to presenter Winter while she worked a blistering evening of competitive swimming.