World Cup 2018: BeIN Sports apologise after commentator Gregory Paisley allegedly makes racist remark during Nigeria’s win over Iceland
It's been alleged that former French professional footballer Gregory Paisley made an offensive remark during Nigeria's 2-0 win over Iceland
MIDDLE EASTERN broadcaster beIN Sports has issued an apology after a commentator was accused of alleged racism.
It’s claimed that former French professional footballer Gregory Paisley made an allegedly offensive comment during Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Iceland on Friday.
Reportedly talking about Leicester's Wilfred Ndidi, Paisley allegedly said: “[He] should take a Banania.”
Banania is a chocolate drink which is claimed to be linked with French colonialism.
It dates back to 1914 and was touted as providing drinkers with “strength and vigour”, using the slogan: “Y’a bon Banania.”
And after alleged condemnation by users on Twitter, beIN Sports issued the following statement.
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It read: “BeIN Sports regrets that some of the comments that were [broadcast] during the Nigeria-Iceland match may have been judged offensive by some of you.
“[We] apologise to all the people who felt hurt and offended.”
Paisley, who played for the likes of PSG and Nice, added: “I said Banania as I could have said Poulain, Benco or Nesquik. I think that when you’re short of strength, that’s what you take in the morning, so that’s why I said Banania.
“I specify that one of my best friends is Senegalese and so that at no time I could say anything bad about Africans.”
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![Reportedly talking about Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, Paisley allegedly said: “[He] should take a Banania.”](https://machibet.online/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NINTCHDBPICT000415402600.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
