BBC apologises for commentator Peter Alliss’ second sexist remark in as many days

HELL hath no fury like a woman scorned, so Peter Alliss should watch his back after making another inexplicably sexist remark live on the air.

Golfer Peter Alliss, 23/02/84. Pic Ex London Sun Golf P/

IF at first you don’t succeed, then try, try again. Right?

Not when the thing you’re trying to do is make a complete idiot of yourself on live TV, but that’s exactly what golf commentator Peter Alliss has gone and done.

Not content with angering only half of the population by making a wildly inappropriate comment about Irishman Paul Dunne’s mother during the British Open on Sunday, Alliss thought he would aim for the other half on Monday night by making a sexist remark about the wife of winner Zach Johnson.

Just moments before Johnson lined up a putt to win a three-way playoff to claim the Open title, Alliss thought he would have a go at reading the mind of his wife Kim Barclay. As her face appeared on screen, the 84-year-old neglected the golden rule of broadcasting; think before you speak.

“She is probably thinking, ‘If this goes in I get a new kitchen,’” said Alliss.

His comment sparked a huge reaction on social media, as viewers took to Twitter to vent their outrage.

Can't believe he can say this! Looks at Zach's wife and says "She is thinking if this goes in we get a new kitchen!" #Sexist #Alliss

— LeslieAnne Wade (@LeslieAnneWade) July 20, 2015

Zach Johnson & Mrs Johnson step proudly up to receive their trophies from Peter Alliss #TheOpen2015 pic.twitter.com/igBU5zSpu6

— Vicki Lank (@ThickBlueLine) July 20, 2015

Oh, how we'll miss the casual sexism of Peter Alliss, delivered in that mellifluous voice #TheOpen2015

— jamesnurton (@JNurt) July 20, 2015

@BBC Peter Alliss is an offensive twat. Please pension him off so the world's golf fans need suffer his drivel no longer!

— Andrew Ball (@adwball) July 21, 2015

The BBC today apologised for Alliss’ remarks.

“Peter made a light hearted comment which was inappropriate and we apologise if anyone was offended,” said a BBC spokesperson.

The iconic commentator’s first gaffe at St Andrews this year came when Paul Dunne’s mum hugged him as he came off the course with a share of the third-round lead.

“Ah, that must be mum,” said Alliss. “Perhaps he likes older women. I don’t know but I hope I got the right one.”

Alliss is no stranger to controversy, making the headlines in April after a Radio Times interview during which he said Harriet Harman’s Equality Act, ending men-only tee times and other restrictions placed on females’ access to club facilities, had “buggered up” the game because women couldn’t afford the fees.

Johnson claimed the Claret Jug after overcoming Louis Oosthuizen and Australian Marc Leishman in a four-hole playoff. It’s his second career Major to go with his 2007 Masters triumph.

Aussie Jason Day finished one agonising shot short of making the playoff while fellow countryman Adam Scott dropped five strokes on the final five holes to blow his chances of victory.

Originally published as BBC apologises for commentator Peter Alliss’ second sexist remark in as many days