SBS reporter Scott McIntyre fired over Anzac tweets

A HIGH-PROFILE SBS reporter has been fired after tweeting what the network thought was “highly inappropriate and disrespectful comments” about the Anzacs.

The SBS commentary team for the 2010 soccer World Cup - Thai Neave, Mariana Rudan, Scott McIntyre, Les Murray, David Basheer,...

A HIGH-PROFILE SBS reporter has been fired after tweeting “highly inappropriate and disrespectful comments” about the Anzacs.

On Saturday evening, soccer reporter Scott McIntyre tweeted five times about Australia’s involvement in numerous wars.

The cultification of an imperialist invasion of a foreign nation that Australia had no quarrel with is against all ideals of modern society.

— Scott McIntyre (@mcintinhos) April 25, 2015

Wonder if the poorly-read, largely white, nationalist drinkers and gamblers pause today to consider the horror that all mankind suffered.

— Scott McIntyre (@mcintinhos) April 25, 2015

Remembering the summary execution, widespread rape and theft committed by these ‘brave’ Anzacs in Egypt, Palestine and Japan.

— Scott McIntyre (@mcintinhos) April 25, 2015

Not forgetting that the largest single-day terrorist attacks in history were committed by this nation & their allies in Hiroshima & Nagasaki

— Scott McIntyre (@mcintinhos) April 25, 2015

Innocent children, on the way to school, murdered. Their shadows seared into the concrete of Hiroshima. pic.twitter.com/DQOGXiKxEb

— Scott McIntyre (@mcintinhos) April 25, 2015

Mr McIntyre has more than 30,000 Twitter followers.

SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid and Director of Sport Ken Shipp said Mr McIntyre had breached the station’s Code of Conduct and social media policy.

“Respect for Australian audiences is paramount at SBS,” Mr Ebeid and Mr Shipp said in a statement.

“Late on Anzac Day, sports presenter Scott McIntyre made highly inappropriate and disrespectful comments via his twitter account which have caused his on-air position at SBS to become untenable.

“Mr McIntyre’s actions have breached the SBS Code of Conduct and social media policy and as a result, SBS has taken decisive action to terminate Mr McIntyre’s position at SBS, with immediate effect.

“At SBS, employees on and off air are encouraged to participate in social media, however maintaining the integrity of the network and audience trust is vital. It is unfortunate that on this very important occasion, Mr McIntyre’s comments have compromised both.

“SBS apologises for any offence or harm caused by Mr McIntyre’s comments which in no way reflect the views of the network. SBS supports our Anzacs and has devoted unprecedented resources to coverage of the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.”

Mr McIntyre’s comments also drew criticism from Australian leaders, including Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull who labelled his comments “despicable” on Twitter.

Difficult to think of more offensive or inappropriate comments than those by @mcintinhos. Despicable remarks which deserve to be condemned.

— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) April 25, 2015

News.com.au has contacted Mr McIntyre for comment.

Originally published as SBS reporter Scott McIntyre fired over Anzac tweets