BBC sack pundit Craig Ramage for a comment on Derby County black players when speaking on BBC Radio Sportscene after the 1-1 draw with Huddersfield.
The former Rams footballer criticised “all the young black lads” at the club and said certain players need “pulling down a peg or two.”
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The 49-year-old said: “When I look at certain players, their body language, their stance, the way they act, you just feel, hold on a minute, he needs pulling down a peg or two.
“So I’d probably say that about all the young black lads, all the young advice if they wanted it, that, you know, it’s about, when you are struggling for form, you are going through a sticky patch, it’s about going back to basics, working hard, and doing the right things.”
Craig Ramage: “I look at certain players. The body language, the stance, the way they act, you just feel – hold on a minute, he needs pulling down a peg or two. I’d probably say that about all the black lads”.
Fucking hell. https://t.co/vhO5poglfv
— GoalScorer Challenge (@GoalscorerC) February 16, 2020
BBC Derby edited the offensive comments out of the podcast of the show that was released on Sunday.
A BBC spokesperson initially said: “These comments were completely unacceptable and have been removed. We are investigating how they were included in this podcast.”
However, in a later statement, the BBC confirmed they had sacked the retired player.
The broadcaster said: “These were entirely unacceptable comments and we will no longer be working with Craig.”
Lowe, one of the players being spoken about by Ramage, was left incensed and posted a lengthy message on social media highlighting the comments.
He wrote: “As a young black footballer making my way in the game, I was shocked by comments made by one of the analysts on BBC Radio Derby’s Sportscene programme after our 1-1 draw with Huddersfield.
“With the support from people I have around me – and after reading today that Raheem Sterling is to spearhead an anti-racism and anti-discrimination task force on behalf of players from all backgrounds – I have decided to speak out on behalf of all black footballers at Derby County.
“Racial ignorance, stereotyping and intolerance negatively affects the image of impressionable young footballers and creates an unnecessary divide in society.
“I am also disappointed that a public service broadcaster did not step in to ask the analyst to explain his reasoning or to distance themselves from these archaic thoughts.
“This was a broadcast at the same time BBC Derby is promoting a 27-minute feature with former Rams defender Charlie Palmer about the difficulties he faced as a young black footballer in the 1980s.
“As a professional footballer at an ambitious, high-profile Championship club I know that my performances will be scrutinised and I have no problem with that whatsoever – but I do not think it is acceptable for myself and my team-mate Jayden Bogle to be judged by the colour of our skin.
“Thank you for taking your time reading this – in a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Kick It Out chief and anti-racism campaigner Troy Townsend tweeted: “It’s embarrassing that BBC Derby have provided a platform for this type of racial stereotyping. No amount of education will stop this ignorance.”
Derby first-team coach Liam Rosenior added: “In reading this quote I HAVE to respond and ask BBC Derby Sport to confirm this quote and I’m happy to challenge this openly. Unacceptable.”
Darren Bent also highlighted Lowe’s comments on his social media account.
The club statement said: “Derby County Football Club is aware of comments made by a BBC employee after yesterday’s game against Huddersfield Town, directed specifically at a section of our young players.
“We have been in contact with the BBC throughout the day and underline that we do not in any way condone any form of discrimination.
“We take comments like these extremely seriously, we do not tolerate them, and stand shoulder to shoulder, together as one with all our players.”
The pundit has since apologised, but only after he was outed…
I wish to apologise unreservedly for a comment that I made after yesterday’s game. What I said was wholly inappropriate and unintentional. Race is irrelevant to the issues that I was discussing and I deeply regret what I said. I sincerely hope that the players accept my apology.
— Craig Ramage (@CraigRamage70) February 16, 2020
Ramage played for the Championship club over six years between 1988 and 1994 before spells at Wigan Athletic, Watford, Peterborough United, Bradford City and Notts County.
He also won three England Under-21 caps in the early 1990s and retired in 2001.
Fans gave their reaction after BBC sack the pundit after his comment about Derby black players…
I’m not saying what Craig Ramage has done is right. BUT everyone makes mistakes and sacking him and putting it in the media isn’t going to help the bloke. Dare I say the name Caroline Flack? Be kind we’re all human and make mistakes Craig is by no means a racist! #dcfc #dcfcfans
— NoCocuNoParty (@DCFCtalk) February 16, 2020
Used to quite like Craig Ramage but he's become so so negative and now shown either a lack of awareness or genuine outdated casual racism.
— Jimmy Gregory ??????? (@JimmyDCFC) February 16, 2020
The same Craig Ramage that said no Forest players would get in the Derby Squad! After beating them twice this season??
Always talked utter dross!
As for his comments here, absolutely daft…can’t see Radio Derby asking him back for the next game https://t.co/lmrsOHviM3
— Adam west (@Adamwest6) February 16, 2020
Very unlike the BBC to cover anything up ?
— ✌? (@Jimmehhh_NG) February 16, 2020
Jesus
— Derbyrams (@Pat00758889Pat) February 16, 2020
Absolutely disgusting. Bang out of order saying something like that in the first place, but trying to hide it? That's disgraceful ?
— Jo Bedford ? (@El_Loco_Jo) February 16, 2020
Black lads and their attitudes, and stances and buying houses for their moms and shopping for groceries and buying cars, need to be taken down a peg?
— BLT (@NaflanesrA) February 16, 2020
Excellent apology to put on a Cv for your next job tbf
— Danny (@DannyPorter97) February 16, 2020
What Craig Ramage said was entirely unacceptable and should be condemned, yet the way Bogle and Lowe have responded is truly incredible. A huge credit to themselves and the club, maturity beyond their age. ? #dcfc #COYR
— Matthew Wyman (@SportSense3) February 16, 2020
You are a voice on radio that thousands listen to, these listeners include children. When you’re given this platform you have a huge responsibility. You have failed. Inexcusable.
— Jordan Reid (@JordRd) February 16, 2020
Nah. It's a soft apology. Just doing a tweet means shit. To say something like that so naturally it's in his mindset. He's only apologising because he knows his future career is over
— Jerome Cameron ? (@Jerzzy12) February 16, 2020
A lot of focus on Ramage, but full respect to Max Lowe making a stand and sticking up for himself and his team mates. #dcfcfans
— Richard Cutcher (@RCutcher) February 16, 2020
To late to apologise. It may have been a mistake but you said it. So somewhere it’s in your head. The only right thing now is for you to resign your position. They won’t and shouldn’t accept your apology. Appalling on your behalf.
— Chris Boler (@bolerboy) February 16, 2020
The only thing you’re sorry for is the backlash you’re now receiving
— Craig hale (@Craighale4) February 16, 2020
Inexcusable!….. pic.twitter.com/P6Ehxv3hSe
— Simon Holbrook (@SBH1978) February 16, 2020
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