Alan Hansen apologises after calling black footballers 'coloured'‎

Hansen's remarks sparked an online storm (Getty Images)

Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen has apologised after describing black players as "coloured" during a debate on the show.

The former Liverpool defender used the word last night while discussing recent racism rows involving Luis Suarez and John Terry.

He said: "I unreservedly apologise for any offence caused. This was never my intention and I deeply regret the use of the word."

Suarez, who plays for Hansen's former club, was given an eight-match ban by the Football Association on Tuesday after being found guilty of misconduct.

Hansen's remarks on the show sparked an online storm, with one Twitter user branding him "a complete fool".

Another fan, who tweets as gunnerblog, wrote: "Anyone else's jaw hit the floor as Alan Hansen said racism wasn't a problem in English football because of success of "coloured" players?"

But he was defended by some fans with one saying "he's not racist, he's just old skool".

Hansen is not the first pundit to run into trouble after making an ill-advised comment.

Earlier this year, Tony Cascarino sparked outrage after he described a player as having a "holocaust" of a game on Sky Sports News during a match between Manchester United and Arsenal which saw the north London team suffer a crushing 8-2 defeat.

PA