Rio 2016: John Inverdale accused of being 'monumentally rude' to Anthony Joshua

BBC pundit has faced claims of sexism and suggestions he fell out with rower Sir Steve Redgrave on air

A BBC commentator has come under fire for being “monumentally rude” to gold-medal winning British boxer Anthony Joshua.

John Inverdale was interviewing Joshua, a former Olympian turned professional fighter, but instead of focusing on the conversation, the pundit appeared distracted, turning his head away and peering over the boxer’s shoulder.

Some defended the Mr Inverdale’s actions, saying he was trying to catch the eye of a French boxer, Sarah Ourahmoune, whom they had been discussing. She eventually came over to talk to them both.

But others viewers felt he was being “rude” and “disrespectful” towards Joshua.

It is not the first time Mr Inverdale has been at the centre of a Twitter storm.

Earlier during the Games, he received flak for congratulating Andy Murray for being the first person to win two Olympic tennis gold medals.

However, Murray pointed out that Venus and Serena Williams had already won four tennis gold medals each, and some observers later accused Mr Inverdale of sexism while praising the Scottish tennis star.

The BBC defended Mr Inverdale and said the remark was a “simple error”.

Some have also claimed Mr Inverdale and rowing co-presenter, Sir Steve Redgrave, appeared to have fallen out on camcer.

In one incident, Sir Steve walked off set while on air. On other occasions, Sir Steve appeared to shake a wet umbrella over his colleague and complained he could not get a chance to talk.

The various public gaffes drew numerous comparisons to spoof radio host Alan Partridge.

But some has said Mr Inverdale was being treated unfairly.

“Live broadcasting is an unforgiving arena and it is all too easy for the mouth to outsprint the brain,” wrote The Telegraph’s Rob Bagchi.

“In this social media environment one mis-step is enough to destroy a reputation and career. You sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.”