“We find the remarks offensive” – Lions complain over Neil Francis’ comment about Marcus Smith

They were “disgusted by the offensive comments."

The British & Irish Lions reacted angrily to a comment that former Ireland international Neil Francis has made, regarding the colour of Marcus Smith's skin. The former forward is a columnist for the Irish Independent, and when speaking on the Left Wing Podcast, he said Smith had a: “David Beckham haircut and an Oompah Loompa tan” The comments were actually edited out of the podcast episode but not before doing the rounds on social media.

“We find the remarks offensive and have written to the Independent to express our deep dissatisfaction,” a Lions spokesperson said. [caption id="attachment_233019" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)[/caption] Harlequins, the club which Smith plays for, also said they were “disgusted by the offensive comments”

The fly-half is of Filipino and British heritage and made an impressive first appearance for the Lions against the Stormers last weekend. Born in Manila, he made his England debut against the USA this month, and also helped to guide the Harlequins to their first Premiership title in nine years. The 22-year-old is not involved in the match day 23 squad for this weekend’s first Test.