The British & Irish Lions have slammed controversial former Ireland international Neil Francis over an offensive comment he made about fly-half Marcus Smith.
Speaking on the Independent.ie’s Left Wing podcast, former Ireland international Francis described late call-up Smith, who was born in the Philippines to a British father and a Filipina mother, as possessing an “Oompa Loompa tan”.
“We find the remarks offensive and have written to the Independent to express our deep dissatisfaction,” said a Lions spokesperson.
A statement from Smith’s club Harlequins read: “Harlequins is disgusted by offensive comments made by an Independent.ie columnist regarding Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith and await a reply regarding the matter.”
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