THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of the European Tour has issued an apology after becoming embroiled in the Sergio Garcia racism row.
Garcia got into trouble after joking at a European Tour awards dinner on Tuesday that he would serve world number one Tiger Woods fried chicken for dinner.
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The Spaniard offered an unreserved apology on Wednesday for the remarks, which Woods described as ‘wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate’.
George O’Grady attempted to defuse the situation when he appeared on television to explain why the Tour had not punished Garcia for the comments. But his attempted explanation merely aggravated the situation when he said that ‘most of Sergio’s friends happen to be coloured athletes’.
The Northern Irishman has since offered an apology of his own.
“I deeply regret using an inappropriate word in a live interview for Sky Sports, for which I unreservedly apologise,” O’Grady said in a statement.
When asked about O’Grady’s comments, Garcia described them as unfortunate. The world number 14 also confirmed he had been in touch with Woods’ manager in an effort to repair their damaged relationship.
Euro Tour chief apologises for 'coloured people' remark
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of the European Tour has issued an apology after becoming embroiled in the Sergio Garcia racism row.
Garcia got into trouble after joking at a European Tour awards dinner on Tuesday that he would serve world number one Tiger Woods fried chicken for dinner.
The Spaniard offered an unreserved apology on Wednesday for the remarks, which Woods described as ‘wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate’.
George O’Grady attempted to defuse the situation when he appeared on television to explain why the Tour had not punished Garcia for the comments. But his attempted explanation merely aggravated the situation when he said that ‘most of Sergio’s friends happen to be coloured athletes’.
The Northern Irishman has since offered an apology of his own.
“I deeply regret using an inappropriate word in a live interview for Sky Sports, for which I unreservedly apologise,” O’Grady said in a statement.
When asked about O’Grady’s comments, Garcia described them as unfortunate. The world number 14 also confirmed he had been in touch with Woods’ manager in an effort to repair their damaged relationship.
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BMW PGA Championship European Tour fried chicken Golf Sergio Garcia Tiger Woods