(Photo: Getty Images)
Geoffrey Boycott has issued an apology after suggesting he would have a better chance of being honoured with a knighthood if he “blacked up” his face to resemble a West Indies cricketer.
Speaking at a Q&A session with VIP guests during the first Test at Edgbaston, the England legend was asked about his chances of receiving a knighthood from the Queen by event host Gary Newbon.
“Mine’s been turned down twice,” the Test Match Special summariser said, “I’d better black me face.”
A comment which was met with silence in the room according to attendees and not soon after Boycott has taken to Twitter to issue an apology for any offence caused.
“Speaking at an informal gathering I was asked a question and I realise my answer was unacceptable,” he wrote. “I meant no offence but what I said was clearly wrong and I apologise unreservedly.
“I have loved West Indian cricket my whole life and have the utmost respect for its players.”
Sir Ian Botham was the last England cricketer to receive a knighthood back in 2007, the 13th occasion the honour was been bestowed on a former player.
