Cricket Australia has pulled its advertising with a major radio network after taking issue with a question one of the network's producers asked at Steve Smith's emotional press conference.
Peter Deppeler, a producer from breakfast show The Kyle and Jackie O Show, attended the conference on Thursday (local time).
Smith broke down in tears as he apologised for his role in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal. He and vice-captain David Warner have been banned from international cricket for a year for their roles.
- Australian cricketers upset by watching former captain Steve Smith breakdown
- Steve Smith, David Warner get 12-month ban from cricket
When Mr Deppeler, who is better known as 'Intern Pete', was called on to ask a question, he said he wanted to take a "change of tack".
"To see you upset tonight is very sad. We asked our listeners what we thought about this and we have opened up to them," he said.
"Mate I've got to tell you... hold your head high for what you have done because what's actually been worse is what Davina and Dean did on Married At First Sight."
The comment was a reference to an affair between two contestants on the popular reality TV show.
A tearful Smith seemed confused by Mr Deppeler's question, which was cut off by his media handlers.
The producer was immediately slammed on social media, with some calling him "disgraceful" and an "idiot".
Mr Deppeler told news.com.au that he wanted to lighten the mood rather than mock Smith. He says he wasn't told to ask the question by anyone at The Kyle and Jackie O Show or parent company Australian Radio Network (ARN).
In response, Cricket Australia has announced it will no longer advertise with ARN.
Newshub.
