West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle is taking a lot of criticism after he bizarrely tried to flirt with a pitch-side reporter during a live interview.
The batsman was talking to Ten Sport’s Melanie McLaughlin after helping the Melbourne Renegades to a five-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.
And as McLaughlin quizzed him on his aggressive display of scoring 41 runs in 15 deliveries, Gayle went off into a tangent and indulged in some toe-curling flirting.
The reporter looked embarrassed and bemused as 36-year-old Gayle asked her out for a drink and told her not to blush…
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Fans all over the world were seemingly split over the incident, with many accusing him of sexism, whilst others claiming it was harmless banter.
Next time I get interviewed by a male I'll do a Chris Gayle, and I'm fairly sure no one would blink an eye lid.. Let's calm our farms people
— Georgie Parker (@georgieparker) January 4, 2016
Only just saw Chris Gayle interview. Pretty cringeworthy. Felt really sorry for @Mel_Mclaughlin and reckon Gayle looked like a tool.
— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) January 4, 2016
A bit of fun by @henrygayle everybody relax – no one hurt, injured or dead!
— Tex Walker (@texwalker13) January 4, 2016
Well played @Mel_Mclaughlin !! Big fan of @henrygayle but made himself look a bit of a chop there @tensporttv #bbl05
— andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) January 4, 2016
Cue the outrage over Chris Gayle's interview….
— Julian de Stoop (@JDESTOOP80_FOX) January 4, 2016
Not smooth or clever from @henrygayle. Just going for cheap laughs. @Mel_Mclaughlin wasn't playing. Her professionalism re-inforced.
— DebbieSpillane (@DebSpillane) January 4, 2016
Correcting the banter on Chris Gayle by Network TEN was unnecessary. If you are truly offended by that, you have a problem
— Peter Tep (@MrPeterTep) January 4, 2016
Re @henrygayle 'scandal', I repeat: why is it any worse than Maria Sharapova's behaviour towards male reporter? https://t.co/Q0EQnxH5sN
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 4, 2016
With onlookers seemingly split over the strange interview, Anthony Everard, the man in charge of the Big Bash League, quickly condemned Gayle’s actions, and hinted that he could face disciplinary action.
He said via the BBC:
“We’ll certainly be talking to him and the Renegades about it.
“This league is all about its appeal to kids, families and females.
“There’s just no place in the BBL, or for that matter cricket anywhere, for that sort of behaviour.”
What do you think about Gayle’s actions? Harmless fun, or offensive sexism?
Let us know in the comments section below…
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