Rai to pull commentators at centre of sexism storm

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 17 - Rai CEO Roberto Sergio said Monday that two commentators who are at the centre of a furore over sexist and racist remarks made while covering the World Aquatics Championships in Japan will be pulled from the event.
    The case regards Rai Sport journalist Lorenzo Leonarduzzi and expert commentator Massimiliano Mazzucchi.
    "A public service journalist cannot descend to the level of bar jokes while on air," Sergio said.
    "I have given the competent offices a mandate to start disciplinary proceedings and I have asked Rai Sport Director Iacopo Volpi to bring the commentator and the technical expert back from Japan".
    The row exploded after viewers filed complaints about the coverage of the women's 3m Springboard Synchro event on Rai Play 2 In one remark, a commentator joked that women only have to study three musical notes - "Si La Do" - a play on words as it roughly translates as 'yes, you can have me'.
    In another, a commentator poked fun at the pronunciation of Chinese people, saying they would call Italian diver Riccardo Giovannini "Liccaldo". (ANSA).