Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott has apologized for making an allegedly racist comment while discussing knighthoods handed out to West Indies cricketers.
British newspaper The Daily Mirror reported on Tuesday that the 76-year-old Boycott said he would need to "black his face" to get a knighthood after seeing the honour handed out like "confetti" to West Indies greats such as Viv Richards, Garfield Sobers and Curtly Ambrose. The former Yorkshire's batsman request for knighthood was turned down twice despite a stellar career in cricket for England.
Boycott responded to the newspaper article by tweeting that what he said was "unacceptable," adding: "I meant no offence but what I said was clearly wrong and I apologise unreservedly." He said he has "utmost respect" for West Indian cricket.
Boycott, an outspoken pundit, is reported to have made the remarks at a question-and-answer session during a break in play of England's day-night test against the West Indies at Edgbaston last week.
Boycott played 108 Tests for England, scoring 8,114 runs at an average of 47.72. He hit 22 Test centuries and 42 half-centuries in his illustrious career.
(With AP Inputs)
