Sport commentator says he ‘stuffed up’ using mock accent
Sky Sport commentator Joe Wheeler has apologised to Highlanders flanker Kazuki Himeno after his comments following the team’s 33-12 win over the Crusaders on Friday night.
The Japanese international had a superb outing in his first start for the team in Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa and was an important cog in the team’s win over the previously unbeaten Crusaders.
Speaking to Highlanders first five-eighth Mitchell Hunt after the match, Wheeler praised Himeno’s performance, but did so in a mock-Asian accent.
“He was leally [sic] impressive, wasn’t he? He was leally, leally good,”
Wheeler said to Hunt on the live broadcast.
It did not go down well with the audience, many airing their concerns on social media.
A spokesperson for Sky confirmed Wheeler later apologised to Himeno as well as Highlanders management.
“Joe Wheeler has spoken with Kazuki and apologised to him and to team management. He absolutely accepts this is not the standard expected of the broadcast team. Sky is committed to being culturally respectful and we expect all crew to do the right thing.”
Wheeler himself made an apology on social media.
“Tonight I stuffed up! I’ve spoken with [Kazuki Himeno] and apologised to him and the @Highlanders and our Sky crew. I absolutely accept this is not the standard expected of the sideline team. I’ve got some work to do obviously, but I’m absolutely committed to doing better.”
The comments took the spotlight away from an impressive performance from the Highlanders.
Starting the night as 7-1 outsiders, the final 21-point margin was the largest win over the Crusaders in Highlanders’ history.