Sports

Martin Tyler criticised for claiming Son Heung-min performed ‘martial arts’ after fouling Cody Gakpo

Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler is engulfed in ‘racism’ storm as he comes under fire for claiming Son Heung-min performed ‘martial arts’ after fouling Cody Gakpo

  • Fans have criticised comments Martin Tyler made during Liverpool’s win v Spurs 
  • Tyler came under fire after he said Son performed ‘martial arts’ on Cody Gakpo 
  • Sky remind Tyler to take care with his wording but say ‘no offence was intended’ 

Football fans have criticised commentator Martin Tyler for a comment he made during Liverpool’s 4-3 win against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday, which some supporters have claimed was ‘racist’.

The comment in question was said as Spurs’ South Korean forward, Son Heung-min, fouled Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo

Son, who scored Tottenham‘s second goal during the match, pulled Gakpo away from the ball as the Liverpool player advanced upfield on the counter-attack. 

Experienced figure Tyler was overheard on Sky Sports’ commentary likening Son’s defence to ‘martial arts’.

And supporters quickly took to Twitter to criticise the comments.

Martin Tyler has been criticised by fans for comments made during Liverpool vs Tottenham

Martin Tyler has been criticised by fans for comments made during Liverpool vs Tottenham

Tyler was heard during the Reds' 4-3 win comparing a foul by Son Heung-min to 'martial arts'

Tyler was heard during the Reds’ 4-3 win comparing a foul by Son Heung-min to ‘martial arts’

Son (right) conceded the foul on Liverpool's Cody Gakpo (left) pulling him away from the ball

Son (right) conceded the foul on Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo (left) pulling him away from the ball

‘Martin Tyler referring to a Son foul as “martial arts.” Wow,’ said one fan while another added ‘Did I just hear Martin Tyler refer to Son’s tackle as “martial arts” like? Are we not taking that as a racist comment?’

Another fan said ‘Martin Tyler saying “martial arts” after Son grabbed Gakpo is not a good look.’

While another fan said: ‘Martin Tyler’s “martial arts” comment about Son’s yellow card was disgusting, xenophobic and racist, not happy.’

A Sky Sports spokesperson said: ‘Martin Tyler has been reminded of need for care with his wording. No offence was intended.’

The Sky sports commentator was also recently forced to apologise after he said Ukrainian goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan should ‘soldier on’ after he picked up an ankle injury in a match against Wales, amid ongoing conflict in the country. 

Tyler was on commentary duties for Liverpool’s win against Tottenham, that saw the Reds secure a late win at Anfield after Diogo Jota scored in the 93rd minute of the match. 

Fans criticised Tyler's comments on Twitter with some saying it 'is not a good look'

Fans criticised Tyler’s comments on Twitter with some saying it ‘is not a good look’

Son (pictured) scored Tottenham's second goal, with Harry Kane and Richarlison also getting on the score sheet

Son (pictured) scored Tottenham’s second goal, with Harry Kane and Richarlison also getting on the score sheet

Diogo Jota (right) found the back of the net late on to give Liverpool a last-gasp win at Anfield

Diogo Jota (right) found the back of the net late on to give Liverpool a last-gasp win at Anfield

Ryan Mason’s side went down by three goals in the opening 15 minutes of the game with Curtis Jones getting Jurgen Klopp’s side off to a fast start, placing a volley past Fraser Forster inside the opening three minutes. 

Luis Diaz scored on his first start back from injury just two minutes later, before Mohamed Salah took advantage of some very poor Spurs defending to score from the spot. 

Harry Kane would pull his side back into the match with a goal before half-time, with Son making it 3-2 after the break. 

Richarlison looked to have found the equaliser late on but Jota turned a gallant comeback from Spurs into a loss, meaning the London side have now only gained one point from their last three matches. 

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