Rio Olympics 2016: BBC apologises for Paul Hand’s ‘homophobic’ remark during Johanna Konta match
THE BBC has been forced to apologise after Rio Olympics commentator sparked a homophobia row.
Paul Hand made the comments during a ‘kiss cam’ feature as Britain’s Johanna Konta beat Svetlana Kuznetsova.
As the camera moved around the stadium, the presenter encouraged one couple saying: “Come on, let's have a kiss.”
He then quipped: “Let's hope they don't go on to two blokes sat next to each other.”
And viewers reacted with fury and sent multiple messages on Twitter about the remark.
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One viewer immediately wrote on Twitter: "@BBCSport Could you tell your tennis commentators that two men kissing is ok, and they should avoid being homophobic? That would be grand."
Lynne Andrews added: "Think tennis commentator @BBCSport needs some CPD after casual homophobic remark."
And JP Kesseler slammed: "Disgusting homophobia by @BBCSport's commentator Paul Hand during the tennis. Indefensible."
Olympics broadcaster the BBC admitted Hand made an 'ill-judged' remark.
A statement read: "The comment was ill judged and we apologise to any of our viewers who were offended."
Konta came from behind to beat Kuznetsova 3-6 7-5 7-5 in a three-hour thriller.
The British No1 now faces Germany’s Wimbledon finalist Angelique Kerber in the quarter-finals.