- Alan Green said Jamie Vardy ‘has got his childminder back’ on Radio 5live, referencing wife Rebekah’s appearance on I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here
- Listeners took to Twitter to say Green’s remarks were sexist and unnecessary
- Green apologised before the second half of Leicester v Crystal Palace began
BBC 5live commentator Alan Green issued an on-air apology amid accusations of sexism after a joke he made about Jamie Vardy’s wife, Rebekah, during Leicester’s Premier League match with Crystal Palace.
Green sparked a social media backlash when, during the first half, he said Vardy ‘has got his childminder back from the jungle’ in reference to Rebekah’s recent appearance on the reality television show I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, filmed in Australia.
The 65-year-old issued an apology as he was reintroduced before the second half started at the King Power stadium.
Alan Green (left) at Leicester’s stadium to commentate on their match with Crystal Palace
Green apologised on air for saying Jamie Vardy ‘has the childminder back’ in reference to wife Rebekah Vardy’s recent appearance on I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here
Vardy was on the reality show which is filmed in Australia and finished last weekend
‘By the way I think some people on social media took offence at what I was saying about Jamie Vardy and his wife Rebekah Vardy in relation to I’m a Celebrity,’ Green said. ‘I certainly didn’t mean any offence so I apologise to you if you felt that any was meant.
‘I was just trying to reflect the fact that I love the programme and really enjoyed Rebekah’s part in it and the other jungle celebrities. It’s a heck of a show.’
Vardy herself said on Twitter that Green’s comment was ‘pathetic’ and that ‘they must be desperate for more listeners’ in response.
Women in Football were among the stronger reactions – saying of Green’s comment: ‘What century are we in?’
Another listener, Neil Boulton, said on Twitter: ‘Can’t quite believe I just heard Alan Green say ‘he’s got the childminder back from the jungle’ on @BBC Sport commentary. #lazy and #sexist on so many levels.’
For some, Green’s apology was not contrite enough as he moved on by laughing at how co-commentator Chris Waddle hadn’t seen the show.
Leicester and England striker Vardy has two children with wife Rebekah
Women in Football were among the notable Twitter reactions to Green’s remark
One listener said that Green’s ‘childminder’ comment was lazy and sexist
Another listener said that they felt Green’s apology was not contrite enough
‘Alan Green there, making it worse and not apologising at all. You weren’t trying to “reflect that you love the show” you were making a sexist “joke” about a man’s wife being a “childminder”. Pathetic,’ wrote Jez Wyke.
Mrs Vardy finished ninth in the programme, which ended on December 9. She has four children, two with the Leicester and England striker.