Channel Ten's Gordan Bray has apologised for using the term 'golliwog' during the Rugby Championship opener between Australia and New Zealand.
Bray is an experienced commentator and was on duty for yesterday's game in Syndey. The word "golliwog" refers to a black rag doll that historically was a symbol of racial stereotyping. Golliwog dolls were popular in America and Australia in the 1970s but came in for criticism for their racist depiction.
Bray was reprehended after using the term in relation to hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau’s haircut and the broadcaster released a statement after the game: "In no way did Gordon intend to cause any harm with his comments and deeply regrets his remarks during last night's broadcast."
He also spoke to Fairfax media and agreed his choice of words was poor. Bray also met with Polota-Nau and apologised for the remark.
It was made in an affectionate manner and it was not intended to be offensive in any way. It was something I said on the spur of the moment. I almost didn't recognise him with the short back and sides do and the inference was that it had been very fuzzy. Probably if I'd said what happened to his 'fuzzy-wuzzy' haircut that would have been more appropriate.
