Chris Gayle’s comments directed at Big Bash commentator Mel McLaughlin divide social media

CHRIS Gayle sent the Twitterverse into meltdown, after his “pathetic” comments directed at Big Bash journalist Mel McLaughlin.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 04: Chris Gayle of the Melbourne Renegades gives a TV interview to Mel Mclaughlin during the Big Bash League match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Melbourne Renegades at Blundstone Arena on January 4, 2016 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

CHRIS Gayle sent Twitter in to meltdown after the T20 gun for hire’s comments directed at Big Bash commentator Mel McLaughlin divided social media.

McLaughlin’s fellow BBL commentator and former England all-rounder ‘Freddy’ Flintoff was one of the first to react on Twitter to Gayle’s sideline serenade, calling him a “bit of a chop”.

“I wanted to come and have an interview with you as well,” Gayle said on live television to McLaughlin, after being dismissed while playing for the Renegades.

“That’s the reason why I’m here, just to see your eyes for the first time. It’s nice so ...

“Hopefully we can win this game and have a drink after. Don’t blush baby.”

Punters hurriedly joined the chorus slamming Gayle’s “chauvinistic” behaviour.

Vote below: Do you believe Chris Gayle’s comments were offensive?

Well played @Mel_Mclaughlin !! Big fan of @henrygayle but made himself look a bit of a chop there @tensporttv #bbl05

— andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) January 4, 2016

Well done @networkten and @MarkHoward03 following up on gayles pathetic interview with @Mel_Mclaughlin #notfunny #21stcentury #classactmel

— Patrick Dangerfield (@dangerfield35) January 4, 2016

Chris #Gayle picks up first nomination for Bad Oyster of the Year 2016. What a disgrace. #BBL05 #BadOyster16

— Oysters Kilpatrick (@OystersKilp) January 4, 2016

@henrygayle brushed on national TV 🙅🏽🙅🏽🙅🏽 You don't get them much more professional than @Mel_Mclaughlin well handled chick! #BBL05 @BBL

— HAYLEY WESTOBY (@HayleyWestoby1) January 4, 2016

@CarlyW226 @Mel_Mclaughlin what's more depressing, Gayle's comments or the fact people will defend them?

— Tom Smithies (@SmithiesTele) January 4, 2016

But Tim Cahill and a number of sports stars and journalists were a little more forgiving.

I'm absolutely outraged that everyone's so absolutely outraged by @henrygayle being a bit cheeky to a female TV reporter. #BBL05

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 4, 2016

On fire tonight brother @henrygayle 🔥🔥🔥

— Tim Cahill (@Tim_Cahill) January 4, 2016

#Gayle interview: time, place, context not great but hardly offensive in itself, surely. #BBL5

— ron reed (@reedrw) January 4, 2016

A bit of fun by @henrygayle everybody relax - no one hurt, injured or dead!

— Tex Walker (@texwalker13) January 4, 2016

Originally published as Chris Gayle’s comments directed at Big Bash commentator Mel McLaughlin divide social media