Champion gets ESPN chiding for Suarez ‘cheat’ remarks

ESPN television 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 the 2-1 FA Cup win at non-league Mansfield on Sunday.

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

The broadcaster yesterday released a statement regarding the comment. The statement read: “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, 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.”