Mitch Fenner: BBC commentator under fire for 'fake Chinese accent' during World Gymnastics Championships

Chinese fans cheer during World Gymnastics Championships — Fenner's 'racist' comments came when the camera zoomed on two Chinese women cheering for their country Vine user Mickontoast

BBC sports commentator Mitch Fenner has come under fire for putting on a "fake Chinese accent" during a World Gymnastics Championships broadcast. He has been accused of "casual racism" and the BBC has admitted his words might have been "offensive".

The incident occurred when the camera panned to two Chinese fans who were cheering and holding up a national flag. Fenner said in a mock accent: "Oh wow, they say, look at that, we're from China." His co-presenter Matt Baker attempted to change the subject immediately after Fenner made the comment but viewers were quick to take to social media in disbelief and anger. Some called for the BBC to fire the presenter.

Did the commentator just put on a fake Chinese accent during #bbcsport Gymnastics coverage? https://t.co/t6UX2Ya8Pl
— Mickontoast (@Mickontoast) October 28, 2015

#BBC sack Mitch Fenner immediately. Doing a Chinese Impersonation on TV is unacceptable and is racist. @BBCSport @BBC @BBCNews @bbc5live
— Fazzanelli (@Fazzanelli) October 30, 2015

@BBC good to see casual racism on the bbc. You may Aswell have filmed Mitch fenner making a derogatory face. pic.twitter.com/KeOiTCi2oN
— Ryan-S-93 (@Ryan_S_1993) October 29, 2015

A spokesperson for the BBC said: "The commentator has been advised that the tone of his commentary on this occasion might be considered offensive to some people, which he has acknowledged."

Fenner, 69, is the head coach of the Dutch men's gymnastics team and a frequent commentator for the BBC. He has been commenting on world gymnastics since 1979 and was covering the men's final in Glasgow on 29 October when he made the comments.