West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle is popular the world over for his aggressive stroke-making on the field and his chilled demeanour off it. He took things just a little far, however, when after a 15-ball 41 he joined journalist Melanie McLaughlin for a quick chat during a Big Bash League (BBL) game in Melbourne.

Now you can see the awkward exchange for yourself up top, complete with an apology of sorts from the blokes up in the commentary box, although once social media erupted it was the BBL head Anthony Everard who did the most clamouring. Below from Sky:

“We’ll certainly be talking to him and the Renegades about it,” he [said].

“This league is all about its appeal to kids, families and females.

“There’s no place in the BBL or, for that matter, cricket anywhere for that sort of behaviour.”

Gayle, who is usually very active on Twitter after a decent knock, chose only to retweet paragon of virtue Piers Morgan’s view.

Is Chris Gayle a terrible person for this misstep – no, of course not. Is it acceptable to belittle a journalist doing her job – see answer one.

[source:sky]