Marcus Smith, Harlequins and British & Irish Lions fly half, has been racially abused in a podcast by ex-Irish international Neil Francis.
Marcus Smith abused online
‘The Left Wing’ podcast, which featured Neil Francis, had posted their latest podcast in which Francis calls Smith an “Oompa Loompa.” The podcast was made public with the below version in full before the comment was redacted by editors.
Disgusting and disgraceful stuff. The version online now has this comment redacted, but how in the hell did this even get to publication. https://t.co/G2ZTykOpXV
— Robert Rees (@Rreesrugby) July 23, 2021
The question marks must not only be raised of Francis’ comments, which are both deplorable and disgusting at the same time, but also of those editing. If those in broadcast and print are held to the highest of esteem, why mustn’t those on podcasts adhere to the same.
How has such a derogatory term been not only used, but then not called out, and even worse published by the Independent.
No apology has yet to be made by anyone associated with the podcast, which is disappointing enough, but you have to feel for a sport that attempts to pretend it has such high morale values, this is a poor lowball from Francis, who has been known to put his foot in his mouth more times than an agitated dog.
Following such a time where racial abuse, online especially, as been the topic of many discussions and debates surely this should not be happening in the world of journalism.
“We find the remarks offensive and have written to the Independent to express our deep dissatisfaction,” said a Lions spokesperson.
Independent have since removed Francis from his contract with them.
“Main photo credit”
