Kelvin Mackenzie's comments about Muslim news presenter are 'tantamount to religious hatred', says Channel 4

'It is wrong to suggest that a qualified journalist should be barred from reporting on a particular story or present on a specific day because of their faith,' says Channel 4

Channel 4 has condemned Sun columnist Kelvin Mackenzie for questioning why a Muslim presenter wearing a hijab should report on the Nice attacks, calling his comments "offensive" and "completely unacceptable".

Mr Mackenzie, a former editor of the Sun, wrote that he "couldn't believe his eyes" when Muslim news journalist Fatima Manji presented coverage of the terror attack.

In a statement, Channel 4 said: “The comments published in the Sun today by Mr MacKenzie are offensive, completely unacceptable, and arguably tantamount to inciting religious and even racial hatred.

"It is wrong to suggest that a qualified journalist should be barred from reporting on a particular story or present on a specific day because of their faith. Fatima Manji is an award-winning journalist.

"We are proud that she is part of our team and will receive, as ever, our full support in the wake of his comments.”

Baroness Warsi tweeted a letter she sent to the Sun's editor Tony Gallagher criticising the "divisive column".

Mr Mackenzie wrote: "The presenter was not one of the regulars —Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Matt Frei or Cathy Newman — but a young lady wearing a hijab.

"Was it appropriate for her to be on camera when there had been yet another shocking slaughter by a Muslim?"

He continued: "Was it done to stick one in the eye of the ordinary viewer who looks at the hijab as a sign of the slavery of Muslim women by a male-dominated and clearly violent religion?

"Would the C4 editor have used a Hindu to report on the carnage at the golden Temple of Amritsar? Of course not."