Eric Bristow has released an official statement apologising for any offence caused by a series of controversial tweets he posted on Monday evening relating to the ongoing football sex abuse scandal.
The five-time world darts champion was sacked by Sky Sports after writing on social media: “Might be a looney but if some football coach was touching me when I was a kid as I got older I would have went back and sorted that poof out. Dart players tough guys footballers wimps”. However, both tweets have now been deleted.
Bristow received a fierce backlash for his comments and appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain in a heated interview with Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on Wednesday morning. ‘The Crafty Cockeny’ defended his comments and explained he was trying to encourage children to report abuse immediately.
However, he was confronted by Marilyn Hawes, a mother of three sexually abused children and founder of ‘Enough Abuse’ charity. Hawes said: “I find you the most deeply offensive man that’s breathed oxygen. I sat with people last night that you have harmed immeasurably and if you think that what you have said is clever, let me take you through what a bully is.”
Nevertheless, shortly after his appearance on Good Morning Britain, Bristow released an official statement via his twitter account reiterating the purpose behind his comments, whilst also expressing his regret over how his tweets were misconstrued.
Eric stated: “On Good Morning Britain I described myself as a bull in a china shop and that has always been the case. It makes me furious to think that an abuser can get away with it for so long, and to so many when they should always be looking over their shoulder in fear waiting to be confronted.
“I don’t use PR people to run my social account as some do, and now appreciate my wording was wrong and offended many people when all I was doing was venting my anger at the abusers and encouraging kids to act as soon as possible.
“I know why I’ve been vilified but if one child comes forward quicker or one abuser thinks twice about the likelihood of being confronted then it will have been worth it. Any monies offered or received for any interviews with me will be donated in full to a relevant charity.”
Photo Credit: Ian Burt
good on you Eric to many touchy feely people in the world today . it dosen’t matter what you say someone is going to get upset
from nz. go Eric dont worry who you might offend you are a straight up guy. give his job back.hes just telling it his way .
You always been a honest man ever since I have known you through out darts no matter what you said someone else would read into it different carry on old son
To much political correction in this world call a spade a spade and stop all the bull shit
good onya mate you call it how you see it