.
While speaking on the newspaper's The Left Wing rugby podcast, Francis said of Smith, who is of mixed British and Filipino heritage:"A Harlequins out-half with a David Beckham haircut and an Oompa Loompa tan... you just couldn't throw him in." Francis has since apologised to the Manila-born fly half, insisting his words have been"interpreted differently" to how he meant them.Smith's club, Premiership champions Harlequins, quickly released a scathing statement in response to the former Ireland player's comments, saying:"Harlequins is disgusted by racist comments made by Independent.
"The club firmly believes that there is no room for racism in any part of society, let alone professional sport."The British and Irish Lions, who will play South Africa in the first tour test on Saturday, also made its feelings clear about the comment, while former Quins player and Lions tourist Ugo Monye said:"The fact Neil Francis said what he did is appalling, but to publish it & no one challenge him is as equally appalling.
As a result of his comments, Mediahuis Ireland, which publishes the Irish Independent, has parted ways with Francis, saying in an article:"Neil Francis's remarks were unacceptable and he has apologised for them.
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