Karl Stefanovic asks Indian cricket fans: ‘Who’s going to be manning 7-Elevens today?’

KARL Stefanovic has done it again. The Today Show host asked a bunch of Indian cricket fans about 7-Elevens. So was it harmless banter or racially insensitive?

KARL Stefanovic has done it again.

The Today Show host, famous for his on-air gaffes, was interviewing a bunch of Indian cricket fans this morning ahead of today’s World Cup semi-final between Australia and India at the SCG.

“I was just gonna ask ... Who’s going to be manning 7-Elevens today?” asked Stefanovic.

One of the Indian fans being interviewed laughed off the comment before firing back with, “I’m not sure about who’s going to be manning 7-Elevens but you might have to look at Centrelink as well I think Karl”.

India takes on Australia in a Cricket World Cup semi-final today.

The witty retort amused Stefanovic, who cracked up laughing and said, “You beauty”.

During this morning’s show, the Channel 9 personality also playfully suggested that New Zealand cricket fans should be called the “dole bludger army”, but the comment upset some viewers who vented their anger on the Today Showfacebook page.

“It’s comments like that on national TV which just adds to the resentment of other Australians who hate New Zealanders working and living in this great country,” wrote viewer Richard Takarangi.

“You need to think before you speak.”

In a statement to news.com.au, a Today Show spokesperson said: “It was all light hearted banter in the segment from both sides of the fence and in the context of the fierce rivalry which will be played out on the pitch of the SCG this afternoon. We can confirm that in post-show, private conversations between Karl and the guest, no offence was taken on either side.”

So were Stefanovic’s comments racially insensitive or just a bit of playful banter?

Have your say in the comments section below.

Originally published as Karl Stefanovic asks Indian cricket fans: ‘Who’s going to be manning 7-Elevens today?’