beIN SPORTS apologises after journalist’s on-air comments about Aryna Sabalenka

beIN SPORTS has apologised after a journalist was heard making inappropriate comments about tennis star Aryna Sabalenka during live coverage of the WTA Finals in France.

Viewers noticed remarks which appeared not to have been intended for broadcast while the tournament was being shown on the channel, according to the English newspaper The Sun.

During a promotional video, the camera focused on Sabalenka, the Belarusian world number two, who is 28, as she blew a kiss towards the lens.

Matthew Solier, who appeared not to realise that his microphone was still switched on, could then be heard making an inappropriate comment about Sabalenka in the background.

In the clip, Solier says: “Look, look, look, she’s awful.”

One viewer shared the footage on social media, describing the remarks as “disgraceful” and tagging France’s broadcasting regulator.

The user also tagged Florent Houzot, beIN SPORTS France’s director of broadcasting operations, programming and editorial.

Houzot responded promptly with an apology on behalf of the broadcaster.

“I am sorry and strongly condemn the comments made live on air this evening during the broadcast of the WTA Finals,” he wrote.

“These comments do not reflect the values of beIN SPORTS. I reaffirm our commitment to treating all athletes and contributors to our programmes with respect.”

Solier has not commented on the controversy.

The incident came one day after the broadcaster announced a multi-year deal to show the ATP Tour in France.