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Azrou - On Wednesday during the Netherlands vs. Argentina soccer match, commentator Jean-Michel Larqué allowed himself a regrettable moment in which he made an unbecoming racial comment.
Though often difficult to filter thoughts on air, Jean-Michel Larqué's comment during the first half of the match, “this is the first time I have seen a white man running faster than a black,” upset many listeners.
His inappropriate comment referred to Ezequiel Lavezzi (Argentina) who at the time was evidently outrunning Bruno Martins Indi (Netherlands). In attempt to save the situation, Larqué's co-commentators attempted to spare Larqué further embarrassment, noting, “I think Christophe Lemaitre runs faster than Claude Makelele.”
However, the comment was far from unnoticed.
On Twitter, @ParcSociosGroup said: “Larqué was surprised to see a white man who runs faster than a black, at least he could avoid saying so on the radio!” Other Tweets described him as the worst commentator in sports.
This is not the first time Jean-Michel Larqué has faced criticism for his comments. In August of 2011, on his show “Larqué Foot” on RMC, he made inappropriate remarks about Jews, following the departure of Samir Nasri from Arsenal to Manchester City.
Despite his apologies later in the program, the National Bureau of Vigilance against Anti-Semitism (BNVCA) filed a complaint for defamation. The Movement against Racism and for Friendship between Peoples (MRAP) also filed a complaint against Jean-Michel Larqué for inciting discrimination, hatred, and racist violence.
Furthermore, the duo he formed with Thierry Roland on TF1 was often subject to criticism for sexist comments and racist connotations.
