An embarrassed reporter was forced into a hasty apology after inadvertently insulting Jarrad Branthwaite's hometown while interviewing him.
Everton defender Branthwaite is currently on loan in the Dutch top flight with PSV Eindhoven. The 20-year-old joined the Blues from Carlisle United in 2020 and was born in the Cumbrian city.
The centre-back was being interviewed after PSV's 3-1 KNVB cup win against FC Emmen on Wednesday evening - a match in which Branthwaite scored twice - when ESPN reporter Hans Kraay Jr. decided to share his experience of a previous trip he made to Carlisle United.
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Kraay said: "You didn't score many goals in your life. You played at Carlisle, Carlisle United. I've been there once with Brighton. Then I phoned my mum and said 'mum I'm there'. She said 'where?', I said 'I'm at the end of the bloody world!' Is that the end of the bloody world, Carlisle? It's a punishment to play there."
In a slightly awkward response, Branthwaite said: "For me no, it's my hometown, so for me it was good there."
Kraay stooped as he responded: "It's your hometown?! Sorry about it!"
Branthwaite has made an impact with supporters in Eindhoven during his season-long loan and despite playing in defence, has found the back of the net three times in 20 appearances.
After the match, PSV boss Rudd van Nistelrooy, who was less worried about Branthwaite's Carlisle roots, made it clear that if possible, he would like to keep the Everton youngster beyond the end of the season.
It is not clear what Branthwaite's next move will be when the current Eredivisie season comes to a close, but if he is to stay in Holland he will be hoping that Dutch reporters take a more positive view of his hometown.
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