A FOOTBALL pundit dropped by the BBC for describing a scuffle between players as “handbags” has now been accused of making a homophobic remark.
Steve “Tommo” Thompson was relieved of his duties for using the familiar matchday phrase after listeners complained.
He made three “troublesome” comments during Lincoln City’s game with Accrington Stanley last month and has since been dropped.
But it has now emerged the 65-year-old seemed to refer to a gay magazine when discussing Lincoln City defender Lewis Montsma in September.
The 22-year-old had modelled on a catwalk and Thompson said he wouldn’t want a centre back to be a “male model”, according to the Mirror.
He said: “I was looking through my ‘gay monthly’ and I see he was a male model.
“I’m not sure I want a centre back as a male model.”
The BBC Radio Lincolnshire pundit was axed after making the “handbags out” comment last month.
He also said a “drama queen” player would be better suited “wearing a skirt”.
The term “handbags” is so common it appears in the Collins Dictionary as “an incident in which people, especially sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm”.
The BBC said he must undergo training before returning to work.
Freelancer Steve, who played for and managed Lincoln, was said to be “devastated” by the BBC’s decision.
Lincoln fan Bernard O’Mahoney is campaigning for his reinstatement.
He said: “As any football fan knows, ‘handbags’ is an incredibly well-known saying.
“I can’t begin to think who’d be offended by it. The BBC has lost touch with the public.”
Fan Marcus Greatorex added: “It’s just an old term. The BBC should pay more attention to songs on their stations promoting knife crime and drug use.”
Refereing to his comments during the Accrignton Stanley 0-0 draw, the BBC said he didn’t meet the standards they expect.
A spokesman said: “After listeners raised concerns, Steve acknowledged some of his comments on air didn’t meet the standards we expect.”
The spokesman added: “He has been warned about his use of language before and the standards our listeners expect.
“Given this, and his recent remarks, we’ve told Steve he won’t be on air again until he has completed some training.”
