Robbie McEwen apologises for using ‘offensive phrase’ during Giro d’Italia broadcast

Robbie McEwen, the former cyclist and now commentator, has apologised for using a homophobic slur during a broadcast of stage 10 of the Giro d’Italia.

The three-time Tour de France points classification winner, who retired from professional cycling in 2012, said he “unintentionally” used the phrase during commentary on Eurosport and GCN+ earlier this week.

“I unintentionally used an offensive phrase during my commentary on stage 10, and I regret both saying it and not immediately apologising on air,” McEwen tweeted.

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“I’m genuinely sorry for the language I used, and for letting the team down, but mostly I want to say sorry to anyone who I offended.”

McEwen, who in his heyday was classed as one of the sport’s fastest sprinters, was discussing his lunch with co-commentator Rob Hatch during the broadcast of Wednesday’s stage when Hatch shared how he had bought some fudge on his way back from his break, only to have eaten it already.

I unintentionally used an offensive phrase during my commentary on Stage 10, and I regret both saying it and not immediately apologising on air. I’m genuinely sorry for the language I used, and for letting the team down, but mostly I want to say sorry to anyone who I offended.

McEwen responded: “You’ve gone in the fudge shop and you’ve consumed it straight away. The fudge packers were wasting their time.”

“Fudge packer” is a derogatory term for a homosexual male.

McEwen apologised 48 hours later after several posts on social media highlighted the use of the slur.

Global Cycling Network, which provides coverage of the Italian grand tour for Eurosport, also apologised on Thursday and said the commentary had been