Sky Sport has apologised after repeating screenings on a closeup shot of a female tennis player's underwear was used to promote the ASB Classic, which offended fans and left the tournament sponsor "disappointed".
Sky issued a statement after a fan first noticed the repeating screenings of an unseen player hittinga shot during breaks in ASB Classic matches last week and shared their disgust on an ASB Bank social media post, Stuff reports.
The clip featured an unseen female player hitting a backhand from a low angle where their underwear is seen as their dress slowly raised. The clip also featured unseen male players hitting shots, one also from the waist down.
The image of a female player which appeared in breaks during the ASB Classic. Photo / Sky Sport
Clip shows a generic male player hitting a ball. Photo / Sky Sport
"What a pity you let Sky Sport use this photo repeatedly for advertising women's Tennis . . . must have broadcast it 100 times a day . . . this is the best tennis photo they could use? . . . And you let them do it?" the fan said in her post, according to Stuff.
The bank's social media account then responded to the post adding they were "disappointed".
"We raised this with them last week but you may also wish to contact them or the Advertising Standards Authority directly with your concerns. As it is now the men's week of the ASB Classic, you won't be seeing this particular image again," the reply reportedly stated.
