Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds were caught on camera mocking Marnus Labuschagne while commentating in a Big Bash League match and faced intense backlash, prompting streaming service Kayo Sports to apologise for their language and words.
The duo were mic’d up ahead of the BBL match between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades and their expletive-laden exchange making fun of Labuschagne’s mannerisms was recorded and aired.
Symonds commented on him having attention deficit disorder and needing medication while Warne called him annoying. There was more crude talk about his batting and behaviour as heard in the video.
Oops! Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds forgot the microphones were on when they decided to rip into Marnus Labuschagne 😳 #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/Kpqfh20oil
— Steven Barrett (@stevebarrett88) January 8, 2021
The video was shared on Twitter and many slammed Warne and Symonds for their insensitive comments, accusing them of ableism and bullying.
Foxtel-owned Kayo Sports issued an apology on Twitter soon after, but only as a reply to the original video.
Hey @lenphil29 @rpjward our stream started early and caught some unacceptable comments. On behalf of @kayosports and the commentary team, we unreservedly apologise.
— Kayo Sports (@kayosports) January 8, 2021
Labuschagne is currently part of the Australian team in the ongoing Sydney Test against India and was a chatty customer on field on Friday.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australia’s team management is aware of the situation but a team spokesman has indicated it is unlikely they will take the matter further during the ongoing Test.
Neither Warne nor Symonds have responded yet.
Here are some of the reactions on Twitter:
They’ll look to Warne and Symonds and wonder why they are speaking so badly about Attention Deficit Disorder, and wonder if they belong in sport? Their idols will devastate them
— Carly Findlay OAM (@carlyfindlay) January 8, 2021
I will now stop commenting on sport. I hate sport, but hate ableism more.
Warne and Symonds will surely be sacked, won't they? https://t.co/NmloZdbLav
— dheeraj anikar 🎾 (@anikar_dheeraj) January 8, 2021
A quote from the piece:
— Jose Puliampatta (@JosePuliampatta) January 8, 2021
1. The comments will make for an awkward situation should Warne have to interview Labuschagne as part of his commitments with Fox Cricket
2. They spared Steve Smith, who too has Labu's mannerisms. Elitism at its worst!
3. Wow! What a pair of role models! https://t.co/cSP6mfEMkW
shane warne and andrew symonds mocking marnus on live tv is disgusting. as professionals, even though those comments shouldn't have been said in the first place, they should know to conduct themselves better if there was a slight chance of them being on camera. its gross
— rebecca (@rebeccaaruthven) January 8, 2021
Ok can we please all agree that Warne & Symonds’ comments are gross and Markus Labuschagne is the future of Australian cricket. Actual tingles with him and young mate at the crease today. Warne should stop trying to be relevant and get back on tinder.
— A L Y (@AlyBewick) January 8, 2021