Ron Atkinson calls Marcel Desailly a 'lazy nigger' on live TV

In 2004, while covering a live football match, pundit Ron Atkinson thought he was speaking off air but his microphone was still switched on and millions heard him call Marcel Desailly a 'fucking lazy thick nigger' on live TV. He was sacked the next day.

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  Sports

[d367spades]

After this was broadcast, Ron Atkinson became what is known in some schools as...unemployed.

[havehope]

And he says this about a World Cup Winner, Euro Winner, Champions League Winner, Serie A Winner.

....

What did Big Ron win in his playing career?

.....

i'll wait....

[Cadwaladr2012]

ron was making racist comments years ago.....why are people here shocked?

[moz frank]

i notice the beeb have " re-habilitated " him - he's on 5 live fairly regularly now

[eezysqueezy]

Yeah Ron's a racist who worked with and signed loads of black players. He cannot stand black people....so obvious.

[PLayAshEFF72]

the thing about this issue is that Ron clearly doesn't hate black people or isn't xenophobic towards them because he was on of the people that helped black players become prevalent in England. But it is obviously clear that he's used too using the N word which strongly insinuates that he Is racist. But deep down I reckon if he was racist, he wouldn't give black players much of a chance as a manager. He just got caught slippin thats all, Nothing against Ron. he's a decent character.

[Robert Exley]

Ron's allowed to use that word because he's Ghetto Fabulous. He came from a poor background and got rich, he's covered in jewellery, his skin is best described as non-white, he uses phrases straight society just doesn't understand, he has a no-nonsense attitude and the icing on the cake is that he refers to black people by the N word. All he needs is a bird with a fat arse and he's practically Jay-Z. Considering Mrs. Atkinson's age I assume that's in the bag too!

[Eugene Petit]

stupid cunt. Ron is a racist and even if he's not , he was factually inaccurate. Unless there was another Desailly other than the GREAT french defender who won almost everywhere he played. I doubt you are black. Just another cunty racist like Ron you are

[alanandre1980]

What? north korea superior to britain???? Hahahahahahahahaha thats too funny

[Jake Brown]

This is too funny!

[formal467872]

I'm black and he's a lazy nigga!! Give Ron his job back!!!

[shesaidyesnoyes]

I strongly disagree... in the 2006 England Squad, there would have been maybe 1 or 2 player that would have made it in the first 11 of Italy or France....