Champion reprimanded over Suarez comment

ESPN commentator Jon Champion has been spoken to by the broadcaster after describing Luis Suarez as “a cheat”.

Champion made his views clear after Suarez used his right wrist to score Liverpool’s second goal in their 2-1 FA Cup third-round win yesterday at non league Mansfield.

As ESPN showed a replay of a clear case of handball from Suarez, Champion said: “That, I’m afraid, is the work of a cheat.”

The broadcaster has today released a statement regarding the comment.

The statement read: “We take our responsibility to deliver the highest standards of coverage to our viewers.

“ESPN’s editorial policy is for commentators to be unbiased and honest, to call things as they see them.

“Inevitably this can involve treading a fine line on occasion, especially in the heat of the moment.

“Comments during the Mansfield v Liverpool match caused offence where none was intended and we have spoken to our commentator about this incident.”