BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss slammed for ‘disgraceful’ comments about length of Masters winner Sergio Garcia’s fiancee’s skirt


COMMENTATOR Peter Alliss caused a sexism row by referring to the short skirt worn by golf hero Sergio Garcia’s fiancee.

The 86-year-old made the off mic remark about Angela Akins in BBC coverage of The Masters.

EPA
Peter Alliss’ contribution to this moment was ‘She’s got the shortest skirt on the campus’[/caption]

Getty Images
Veteran commentator is in hot water over his most recent sexist gaffe[/caption]

As images were shown of Angela, 31, reacting to Sergio’s win, Alliss’s muffled voice was heard saying: “She’s got the shortest skirt on the campus.”

Last night the BBC confirmed Alliss believed he was off air when he made the “light-hearted” comment and accepts it was “inappropriate”.

The remark was picked up by viewers who watched the dramatic events late on Sunday night, when the Spaniard beat Brit rival Justin Rose to claim his first ever major.

Rex Features
Sergio Garcia sunk a birdie to confirm US Masters victory[/caption]

Getty Images
His fiancée Angela Akins makes her way over to embrace for the high point of Sergio’s career[/caption]

EPA
82-year-old Allis feels the length of Angela’s skirt is more relevant to comment on[/caption]

One member of the TV audience of over 2.5 million called for the BBC to get rid of Alliss immediately saying he “ruined” Garcia’s “finest moment” with the “disgraceful comment”.

This is the latest in a string of sexism rows to engulf the long-serving commentator.

Akins, 31, who started dating Garcia almost two years ago, is a former college golfer who has worked as a reporter on the Golf Channel. They announced their engagement in January and plan to marry in July.

In the closing stages of the battle between Garcia and Rose, Akins was shown by the side of the green cheering on her partner in a baseball cap, grey jogging top, blue skirt and trainers.

Getty Images
Fans have taken to social media to slam the beeb vet[/caption]

AP:Associated Press
Sergio supporters claim that Allis 'ruined' the career highpoint[/caption]

AP:Associated Press
With a $1,980,000 Master payout, it will probably take a bit more top ruin the victory[/caption]

Rex Features
Sergio is congratulated by Justin Rose after playoff victory[/caption]

@chuBuBBawuB wrote on Twitter: “BBC Sport Get rid of Peter Alliss NOW. He just ruined Sergio’s finest moment making a disgraceful comment about his fiance’s skirt.”

@tomlea added: “Peter Alliss convinces me I’m not imagining this by making a mildly sexist comment about Sergio’s partners skirt off mic! #themasters”

@Oli1410 said: “Peter Alliss commenting on Sergio’s missus’ short skirt, thinking he’s not being picked up by the mics!”

A BBC Spokesman said: “Whilst believing he was off air Peter made a light hearted remark which he now knows was inappropriate.”

BLUNDERS OF ALLISS

2015: Alliss says equality for women has “b*****ed” up the game for many. He speculates whether golfer Paul Dunne likes older women after he was seen hugging his mum. Suggests The Open champ Zach Johnson’s wife would want to spend his prize money on a new kitchen.

2016: Says women who want to join Muirfield club should marry a member after it rejects letting females join.

2017: Reveals he does not care for “macho women” that are “prevalent today”.


Leave a comment