Steve Smith’s emotional press conference interrupted by heckler

AS STEVE Smith poured his heart out to Australia last night, his big moment was hijacked by a ridiculous comment from a radio show.

STEVE Smith’s emotional press conference addressing his role in the ball tampering saga was interrupted by a disgraceful comment from the Kyle and Jackie O show.

As the former Australian captain fought back tears and apologised to the nation and his parents for his role in the scandal, one of the first comments came from “Intern Pete” from the Kyle and Jackie O show.

Saying he wanted to take a “change of tack” Pete said: “I want to let you know from the perspective [of the] non-sports community of Australians, to see you upset tonight is very sad.”

“Mate I’ve got to tell you...hold your head high for what you have done because what’s actually been worse is what Davina and Dean did on Married At First Sight.”

As a bewildered Smith watched tearfully on, the comment was quickly cut off by media handlers and fans reacted swiftly.

That person, who I will not call a journalist, should be banned from ever going to a press conference again. I think it was from the @kyleandjackieo show - whoever you are, you are an idiot.

— Rebecca Maddern (@RebeccaMaddern9) March 29, 2018

And another high water mark for the Kyle & Jackie O show.... Fella is breaking down in front of the country & you throw a tool in........

— Kurt Fearnley (@kurtfearnley) March 29, 2018

The person from the @kyleandjackieo who made a statement during the Smith remarks - utterly ill-judged and awful.

— Leigh Sales (@leighsales) March 29, 2018

And hang your heads in shame the @kyleandjackieo show. That was a truly disgraceful stunt.

— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) March 29, 2018

Did @kyleandjackieo seriously send someone to the Steve smith presser to ask a stunt question for a bit of publicity? What a joke. And people wonder why the media is hated at times. Honestly.

— Sharnelle Vella (@SharnelleVella) March 29, 2018

That Kyle and Jackie O clown can absolutely dive head first into a concrete tip.

— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) March 29, 2018

@kyleandjackieo SHAME SHAME SHAME

— Sharron Nilsson (@sharron61) March 29, 2018

to the nob from Kyle & Jackie O who asked that ridiculous question, wait until you are utterly broken as a human being and think back to this moment.

— lehmo (@lehmo23) March 29, 2018

If you ever needed a reason to hate the Kyle and Jackie O Show any more...

— Brandon Cohen (@BrandonGCohen) March 29, 2018

Kyle and Jackie O show highjacking the presser. Nobody cares mate, this isn't about you or your radio show.

— Adam Hill (@adamhillmedia) March 29, 2018

To that “journo” who just looked Steve Smith in the eye ... and compared this to Married at First sight.

You’re a knob and I hope you never work in the media again

— Tom Chadwick (@TomChadwickFox) March 29, 2018

You guys should be ashamed of yourselves. @kyleandjackieo
I will never appear on your show again. Fact.
Disgraceful.#StevenSmith

— Lachy Hulme (@LachyHulme) March 29, 2018

Earlier KIIS FM had shared a video of Intern Pete getting ready for the event at Sydney Airport.

A spokewoman for ARN, the parent company of KIIS FM said the “question was framed for those those who don’t follow cricket.”

“The ball tampering incident has evoked an extraordinary reaction from a broad range of Australian audiences, both those who follow cricket, and those who don’t know anything about the sport,” she said.

“As you can hear when you listen to the audio of the question, Pete genuinely felt for Steve, as he tried to inject some warmth to what was a difficult situation.”

Steve Smith arriving soon. #KiisNews #KJSHOW pic.twitter.com/3upb3ZpAk9

— KIIS 1065 (@KIIS1065) March 29, 2018

Peter Deppeler, known as Intern Pete from the Kyle and Jackie O show posted a video to Twitter from the press conference before his disgraceful comment. Picture: Twitter

Smith told reporters he hopes he is able to rebuild his career in the game he loves.

“I’ve made a big mistake by allowing this to happen,” he said. “It was a huge error of judgment on my part and I’m deeply sorry.”

As his father stood behind him with his hand on his shoulder, Smith said: “It’s on my watch and I take responsibility for the actions of what happened.”

“I just want to say I’m sorry for the pain that I’ve brought to Australia and the fans and the public, it’s devastating and I’m truly sorry.”

His emotional comments followed those made earlier by Cameron Bancroft who also apologised for his role in the saga and said he hopes to be able to rebuild his career. David Warner released a statement on Twitter promising to speak in the coming days.

Fans and pundits praised the pair for fronting up to the media online, with many saying the apologies were difficult to watch and marked the first step on the road to redemption.

Former Australian cricket captain Steve Smith fought back tears during his address. Picture: AAP Image/David Moir.

Originally published as Steve Smith’s emotional press conference interrupted by heckler