Sky apologise for Best's racist quip

(GETTY IMAGES)

Former England coach Dick Best could find himself in hot water after making a racist remark live on Sky Sports News.

Best made the comment about England full-back Delon Armitage as he was being interviewed at Heathrow airport ahead of today’s Lions squad announcement.

Best’s Lions XV was presented on screen before he was asked about his choice of Armitage on the wing ahead of Ireland’s Tommy Bowe to which he replied: “You've always got to have a coloured boy in the team.”

Sky Sports News presenter Millie Clode later apologised, saying: "[Best] made remarks that he thought were off-camera. We would like to apologise for any offence this may have caused."

The incident bears all the hallmarks of a racist outburst by former football manager Ron Atkinson about Chelsea player Marcel Desailly in 2004. The comment was not broadcast by ITV in this country but it was picked up by a live feed of the programme in the Middle East.

The remarks, made when Atkinson believed his microphone had been turned off, instantly caused a furore and he immediately tendered his resignation, which was accepted by ITV Sport.