Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard removed from Paris 2024 coverage for sexist comment

Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard has been removed from Paris Olympics 2024 coverage after making a sexist comment.

The comment came after the Australia’s women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team just secured gold.

Sitting alongside Lizzie Simmonds, Ballard said: “Well, the women just finishing up. You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up.”

Eurosport then released a statement saying: ““During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment.

“To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”

Simmonds described the comment as “outrageous” on co-commentary.

Update: Ballard has released a statement on X, saying: “The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence. It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport.

“I shall miss the Eurosport team, dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics.

“No further comment will be issued. Thank you.”