Thursday, March 28, 2024

Hodgson apologises for monkey joke

SoccerNews in English Premier League 17 Oct 2013

56 Views

England manager Roy Hodgson has apologised for any offence caused by a joke he told at half-time in England’s 2-0 win over Poland.

The joke – about an astronaut and a monkey launched into space – was reportedly intended to encourage players to pass to Andros Townsend, but allegedly shocked at least one player, who believed the story carried racist connotations.

Hodgson, who has been surprised by the reaction to the incident, was unreservedly apologetic if any offence had been caused.

“I would like to apologise if any offence has been caused by what I said at half-time,” he said in a statement.

“There was absolutely no intention on my part to say anything inappropriate.

“I made this clear straight away to Andros in the dressing room.

“I also spoke to Andros again on Wednesday. He has assured me and the FA he did not take any offence, and understood the point I was ­making in the manner I intended.”

The joke in question is believed to be popular with American space agency NASA.

“NASA decided they’d finally send a man up in a capsule after sending only monkeys in the earlier missions,” the tale goes.

“They fire the man and the monkey into space. The intercom crackles, ‘Monkey, fire the retros’. A little later, ‘Monkey, check the solid fuel supply’.

“Later still, ‘Monkey, check the life support systems for the man’. The astronaut takes umbrage and radios NASA, ‘When do I get to do something?’

“NASA replies, ‘In 15 minutes – feed the monkey’.”

Townsend has played down the incident, as he posted on Twitter on Thursday: “I don’t know what all this fuss is about.

“No offence was meant and none was taken! It’s not even news worthy!”

England qualified for next year’s FIFA World Cup with the victory over Poland.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top