BBC Olympics pundit forced to apologise for talking over national anthem

Kate Richardson-Walsh issued an apology (Image: bbc)

BBC Olympics pundit Kate Richardson-Walsh was presenting from the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium this weekend when co-host JJ Chambers asked her a question about hockey.

As the national anthem started playing, JJ asked the Rio Olympics star about the importance of the men's team playing against Spain as they had not brought home a gold medal since the 1998 Olympics.

As God Save the King started playing the 44-year-old responded to JJ but seemed aware speaking over the national anthem might cause some offence.

Kate shared: "Yeah this is an incredibly important event and the anthems are just playing so I'm trying to be respectful of that as well, but that is a heavy load to bear."

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Despite this, JJ continued to ask questions as the song played, saying: "Apologies for crashing the anthem here but let’s just put this in context.

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JJ Chambers is commentating for the BBC (Image: BBC)

"Three years ago they lost to India in the quarter-finals, but since then there’s been quite a lot of change to this squad."

In the end, Team GB beat the Spanish team 4-0 but Kate took to X, formerly known as Twitter to issue an apology.

She penned: "I’m so sorry I was talking over the national anthems today before the GB v Spain Men’s hockey game on the BBC today.

"I felt all I could do was note my feelings and apologise. In hindsight perhaps I should have paused."

The sportswoman concluded: "Please know this completely cut across my values."

However, many of her followers were understanding and shared words of support.

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One wrote: "If you get any negative comments ignore them! A quick, genuine apology is more than enough. Enjoy the Games and we look forward to hearing your insights."

A second fan added: "Not your fault. The studio spent the 10 minutes prior to that talking to a chef & then crossed just as the anthems started!"

A third said: "I watched this and you handled it professionally, made reference to it - don’t worry at all. You can’t always control when they’re going to ask you to broadcast. Keep up the good work, not an issue!"

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BBC Olympics pundit forced to apologise for talking over national anthem

BBC Olympics pundit forced to apologise for talking over national anthem

BBC Olympics pundit forced to apologise for talking over national anthem

BBC Olympics pundit forced to apologise for talking over national anthem

BBC Olympics pundit forced to apologise for talking over national anthem