Bloggers in Australia have reacted angrily to a Chinese TV commentator who delivered a pro-Italian, anti-Australian rant to an audience of many millions at the end of the World Cup match between the two teams on Monday.
The outburst provoked such strong comments that the Sydney Morning Herald has shut down its online discussion on the story.
The commentator, Huang Jianxiang, has apologised for giving vent to his love of Italian football and his disdain for an Australian team he said was packed with players who lived in Europe.
He screamed with delight after Italy scored a last minute penalty to knock out the Socceroos.
The initially unapologetic Huang, who was backed by 50 per cent of voters in one online poll, reconsidered his position and a letter was posted on the website of state-run CCTV.
"I have attached too much personal feeling to the match of Italy versus Australia. I reviewed the video of the match again and I feel there are some injustice and prejudice in my comment, which have caused discomfort and hurt to the audience," he wrote.
[ Watch video of the commentary]
- HERALD ONLINE STAFF, REUTERS
Soccer: Aussie bloggers angry at commentators' outburst [video clip]
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