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BBC Sack Pundit Ramage



The BBC has cut ties with a football pundit after he singled out Derby County's "young black lads" for criticism.

Former Derby midfielder Craig Ramage was speaking on BBC Radio Derby's Sportscene podcast after the Rams' 1-1 draw with Huddersfield on Saturday.

He told the podcast: "When I look over and I look at certain players, their body language, their stance, the way they act, you just feel, 'whoa, hold on a minute - he needs pulling down a peg or two'.

"So I'd probably say that about all the young black lads."

Ramage's remarks drew immediate criticism from fans and players, including Derby defender Max Lowe, who said he was "shocked" by the comments.

On social media, Lowe said: "I have decided to speak out on behalf of 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."

He went on: "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... to be judged by the colour of our skin.

Ramage later apologised "unreservedly" on Twitter, saying his comments were "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," he said.

"I would like to reiterate my heartfelt apology not only to the players but also the fans that have listened to me over the past seven years and also to those that followed me throughout my career. I would like to reinforce that this error in no way reflects my personal views."

Despite his apology, a BBC spokesperson said: "These were entirely unacceptable comments and we will no longer be working with Craig."
Derby County also issued a statement, saying it stands "shoulder to shoulder, together as one with all our players".

It added that it does not condone discrimination, and it takes comments, like those made by Ramage, "extremely seriously".



Craig Ramage (R) will no longer work for the BBC. Pic: BBC Radio Derby
Image:Ramage (R) later said race is 'irrelevant to the issues that I was discussing'

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