Trevor Sinclair has been suspended by radio station TalkSPORT following a controversial tweet shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The former Manchester City and West Ham United midfielder took to Twitter in the hours following the death of the Queen to question why people of colour should mourn her death.
The tweet in question reads, "Racism was outlawed in England in the 60's and its been allowed to thrive so why should black & brown mourn!! #queen."
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Understandably, Sinclair's comments angered plenty, with many finding the timing and tone of the tweet to be disrespectful given the Queen's recent passing. The tweet has since been deleted, and Sinclair's Twitter account can also no longer be found on the site.
On Thursday night, TalkSport responded to calls for Sinclair to be axed with a tweet of their own which read: "We have been trying to make contact with Trevor Sinclair following opinions expressed on his Twitter account. talkSPORT does not support those views expressed and is investigating the matter."
On Friday morning, TalkSPORT released a statement revealing that Sinclair would no longer appearing on air while the investigation was taking place. The broadcaster reiterated that they do not endorse the 49-year-old's tweet.
TalkSPORT's full statement reads as follows: "Trevor Sinclair will not be on air while we carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances and timing of his tweet.
While we respect the right of Trevor Sinclair to express his opinion on his personal twitter account, talkSPORT does not endorse the tweet."
Sinclair's post sparked immediate fury and debate among users, while his talkSport colleague Simon Jordan commented on the post: "Trev I’m really not sure that is an appropriate thought, let alone tweet . The country has lost a very significant person and respect and value should be the overriding sentiments not division !"
Many users were incensed by Sinclair's view, with one writing: "Totally agree with your sentiment Simon. An uncalled for, unnecessary, unwanted point of view at this moment in time."
Another user wrote: "It’s really not hard to just show respect … regardless of opinion, likes or dislikes."
British Olympian Kelly Sotherton was among those to criticise Sinclair, replying to his tweet: "You should be ashamed of yourself .. I have no other words that are appropriate."
Former Notts County owner Alan Hardy wrote: "You’re an absolute disgrace. No words." While ex-Middlesbrough defender David Wheater said: "Crikey trev you’ve gone in wildly there mate."
Yet others defended Sinclair, with one commenting on Jordan's post: "Respect and value is earned, not a given or birthright. The man is entitled to feel however he does about the monarchy."
More followed a similar line of defence for Sinclair, with one stating: "Freedom of speech..may not be good timing but he can say what he wants." Another said: "Should be given the chance to explain his comments.... not sure how but given the chance."
No timeline has been given for when or even if Sinclair will appear on TalkSPORT again.
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