Geoffrey Boycott apologises for comment that he should 'black up' to get knighthood

Former England great Geoffrey Boycott has apologised after his alleged racist comment about West Indian cricketers has stirred a controversy. The former England batsman suggested he would have a better chance of being knighted if he “blacked up”, according to a newspaper report. 

According to the report, Boycott said knighthoods were handed out like “confetti” to West Indies cricketers, including Sir Viv Richards, Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Curtly Ambrose. “Mine’s been turned down twice. I’d better black me face,” he added.

Boycott responded on Twitter, accepting his comments were “unacceptable” and “clearly wrong”.

Boycott wrote: “Speaking at an informal gathering I was asked a question and I realise my answer was unacceptable. 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.”

Tweet 1 of 3: Speaking at an informal gathering I was asked a question and I realise my answer was unacceptable...

— Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) August 22, 2017

Tweet 2/3: I meant no offence but what I said was clearly wrong and I apologise unreservedly..

— Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) August 22, 2017

Tweet 3/3: I have loved West Indian cricket my whole life and have the utmost respect for its players.

— Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) August 22, 2017

According to the report, Boycott was speaking at a Q&A session during a break in play at England’s day-night Test against West Indies at Edgbaston. Boycott played 108 Tests for England, scoring 8,114 runs at an average of 47.72. He hit 22 Test centuries and 42 half-centuries.