Benedict Cumberbatch last night apologised for referring to "coloured actors" on US television, saying he had been an idiot. The Sherlock star was criticised after using the phrase on a debate on the lack of diversity on British screens.

Controversial Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has received the support of a leading anti-racism campaigner – because he immediately apologised for apparently making a racist and anti-Semitic post.

Shamrock Rovers striker Eamon Zayed is ready to formalise his long-standing opposition to racism in football by becoming a director on the board of Show Racism The Red Card.

A UK Independence Party Euro MP has been rebuked for complaining about the provision of taxpayer-funded aid to “bongo bongo land”.

The Ulster Council’s Competitions Control Committee will meet this evening to appoint a group to investigate allegations of racial abuse in Sunday’s provincial club SFC final.

The mayor of Naas is facing calls to resign over allegations of racism after he warned he will refuse to represent members of the black community.

CORK hurling star Dónal Óg Cusack is to star in a new anti-homophobia campaign being shown in British schools.

THE GAA has issued an apology to an African youngster who was subjected to racial taunts by spectators during an underage hurling match in Carlow on Monday.