Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray has hit out at the co-host of the annual Ballon d’Or following comments he made to Norwegian footballer Ada Hegerberg.
Martin Solveig, who is best known as an international DJ, faced social media backlash after asking Hegerberg if she knew how to twerk whilst presenting her with an award. A dance move that involves thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance. Hegerberg became the first ever recipient of the women’s Ballon d’Or. An award that is presented by France Football to recognize the best female player in association football.
Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg, first female Ballon D'Or winner after scoring over 250 career goals at the age 23, asked to twerk on stage in front of footballing giants and the public watching. Disgusting and really ruined her moment she deserved. Poor. pic.twitter.com/FSz0ozz2T4
— Seán Walker (@SeanWalkerSport) December 3, 2018
The incident triggered an angry response from many, including former world No.1 Murray. The Brit said that sexism in sport is ‘unreal’ and that question would have never been asked to a male football player. Murray is a well-known campaigner for equality. During the 2017 Wimbledon Championships he corrected a statement from a journalist that said Sam Querrey was “the first American player to reach the semi-final of a Slam since 2009” by saying ‘fist man.’ He has also on previous occasions hit back at criticism of his former coach Amelie Mauresmo.
“Another example of the ridiculous sexism that still exists in sport.” Murray wrote on Instagram.
“Why do woman [sic] still have to put up with that s***?
“What questions did they ask Mbappe and Modric? I’d imagine something to do with football.
“And to everyone who thinks people are overreacting and it was just a joke… It wasn’t. I’ve been involved in sport my whole life and the level of sexism is unreal.”
Solveig has since apologised about the incident and said that he never meant for his words to be interpreted as sexist. In a video uploaded to Twitter, the 42-year-old blamed the ‘distortion of his English level.’ He has also apologised to Hegerberg in person.
“This comes from a distortion of my English level and my English culture level, which is obviously not enough because I didn’t mean to offend anyone and didn’t know this could be seen as such an offence.” He said.
Sincere apologies to the one I may have offended. My point was : I don’t invite women to twerk but dance on a Sinatra song. Watch the full sequence People who have followed me for 20 years know how respectful I am especially with women pic.twitter.com/pnZX8qvl4R
— Martin Solveig (@martinsolveig) December 3, 2018
Murray is set to start his 2019 season during the first week of January at the Brisbane International. The 31-year-old, who missed 11 months of the tour due to a hip injury, ended his season in September in order to have a longer training block.
