BEIJING, April 22, (Xinhuanet) -- Ron Atkinson, the ITV football pundit, yesterday (Wednesday) resigned after racist comments about the Chelsea player Marcel Desailly were broadcast around the world.

    The remarks, made when viewers in Britain were watching post-match analysis of the Monaco v Chelsea Champions League semi-final first leg match, were broadcast in several places in the Middle East, including Dubai and Egypt.

    Referring to the underwhelming performance of the French defender, Atkinson said: "He's what is known in some schools as a fucking lazy thick nigger." Atkinson's conversation was picked up by microphones that should have been switched off once the broadcast from the stadium had concluded.

    Atkinson had made a successful career as a media commentator, having been manager of a number of clubs, most famously Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Atletico Madrid. While at Old Trafford he won two FA Cups.

    An ITV spokesman said: "We don't in any way condone the comments in question, which were not broadcast as part of ITV's coverage but were made in an off-air conversation after the game. It was a regrettable lapse by a respected and experienced broadcaster. 
 
(CRIENGLISH.com)