Rugby analyst Neil Francis has issued an apology after he was heavily criticised for comments about a Lions and Harlequins player. The comments about England outside-half Marcus Smith were made on Independent.ie’s The Left Wing podcast. Mediahuis Ireland, publisher of Independent.ie, has decided to end Mr Francis’ contract. Marcus Smith, whose mother is Filipina, was referred to by Mr Francis as having a “David Beckham haircut and an Oompa Loompa tan”. Both the British and Irish Lions and Harlequins rugby quickly moved to express their disgust at the remarks.

Source: Irish Independent July 23, 2021 16:07 UTC