• Sky Sports pundit issues immediate apology
Sunday 28 August 2011 21.32
Tony Cascarino issued an apology after telling Sky viewers that Arsenal's Armand Traoré was having a 'holocaust' of a match. Photograph: Andy Hall
The football pundit Tony Cascarino has sparked outrage by describing a player as having a "holocaust" of a game. Cascarino made the comment on Sky Sports News during Manchester United's match against Arsenal, which saw the north London team beaten 8-2.
Discussing the defender Armand Traoré's performance on the pitch, Cascarino said: "Poor Traoré at right-back is having a holocaust because he's finding himself against [United winger] Nani, who's literally running him from everywhere and [Arsenal midfielder Andrey] Arshavin's just not tracking his runners."
Angry fans immediately responded to his comment on Twitter. One wrote: "Tony Cascarino should be sacked on the spot. He said an Arsenal defender was having a 'holocaust'. Appallingly ignorant."
Another social networker added: "I can't believe he said that! ". Another observed: "Looks like Tony Cascarino could be the next ex-pro on the persona non-gratis [sic] list after that on air comment."
A clip of the incident, broadcast during the Old Trafford match, quickly appeared on YouTube.
Another micro-blogger branded the comment "horrendous", adding: "I hope Tony Cascarino is dealt with appropriately."
Sky Sports News said the presenter Natalie Sawyer had apologised straightaway for Cascarino's remarks.
It said in a statement: "Tony Cascarino made his comments in the heat of the moment. An immediate apology on behalf of Tony and Sky Sports was made on air as soon as possible for any offence caused."
As well as being a Sky Sports pundit the 48-year-old former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker has written for The Times and presented for talksport radio.
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