Rugby commentator Joe Wheeler taken off air after mocking accent of Asian player

Former Super Rugby player Joe Wheeler has been taken off air by Sky Sport after his controversial post-match comments mocking an Asian accent last Friday.

Wheeler, a former New Zealand Māori representative, used the accent after the Super Rugby Aotearoa match between the Highlanders and Crusaders.

Speaking with Highlanders first-five Mitchell Hunt, Wheeler referenced the performance of Japan international flanker Kazuki Himeno, who started for the Highlanders for the first time.

Wheeler later apologised on Twitter.

A Sky Sport statement last week reiterated that Wheeler had apologised to Himeno but made no reference to any employment sanction.

The Highlanders will face the Chiefs at 7.05pm Saturday while the Hurricanes will take on the Crusaders at 3.35pm Sunday.

[Source: TV NZ]