Sky commentator Martin Tyler accused of 'racist' comment about Son Heung-min

01 May 2023 , 08:06

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Tottenham's Son Heung-min fouls Liverpool's Cody Gakpo during Sunday's match (Image: PA)

Martin Tyler has been criticised for making a perceived 'racist' comment about Son Heung-Min whilst commentating live on the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Tottenham.

In what proved a dramatic afternoon at Anfield, the hosts went 3-0 up within 15 minutes only for Tottenham to storm back, with Son himself on the scoresheet to pull it back to 3-2 with 13 minutes remaining. His team-mate Richarlison then levelled in injury time, only for Diogo Jota to immediately strike back and win it for The Reds.

But amid the excitement, Tyler courted controversy after Son fouled Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo during the game. The South Korean appeared to pull his opponent back as Gakpo looked to launch a counter attack, and was booked for his actions.

Tyler compared Son's infringement to 'martial arts'. The comment angered many fans, with Tyler, who has been on the mic with Sky Sports for over three decades, quickly criticised on social media.

@JoeBristerr tweeted: "Did I just hear Martin Tyler refer to Son’s tackle as ‘martial arts’ like? Are we not taking that as a racist comment?" @turabhn added: "Martin Tyler saying Son did martial arts. Live on air. I know I ain’t the only one that found that racist."

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@DjCaro wrote: "Anyone notice the snide casually racist (IMO) comment by Martin Tyler about Son? Tugged LFC for yellow and Tyler called it a martial arts move. Wouldn’t have used term had an Englishman committed offence. Uncalled for and not a good look, Martin."

Martin Tyler has been reminded of his wording by Sky Sports (Corbis via Getty Images)

A Sky Sports spokesman told Mirror Football: “Martin Tyler has been reminded of need for care with his wording. No offence was intended.”

Last year, the 77-year-old was forced to apologise after covering the Wales vs Ukraine World Cup play-off game, during which he said away keeper Heorhiy Bushchan would have to 'soldier on'. The comment was deemed insensitive amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Tyler has been the voice of Sky Sports Football since 1990, having previously worked for ITV. And his audio on a number of Premier League moments have gone down in folklore.

Arguably his most famous commentary came after Sergio Aguero's late goal for Man City vs QPR on the final day of the 2011/12 season, which won City the Premier League title. Some City fans have even had Tyler's wording, which included his iconic phrase "I swear you'll never see anything like this ever again," tattooed on their bodies.

Fraser Watson