Tomic urged to apologise for media comment

Bernard Tomic has been criticised over his use of the word “retard” during a Wimbledon press conference.

The 23-year-old was responding to a question about being made to wait on court for his opponent, Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

Learning disability charity Mencap has now called for the world No.19 to apologise.

In a post-match conference, he was asked: “Tennis etiquette requires that both players arrive on court at the same time. You were kept waiting about eight minutes. Any idea why?”

Tomic replied: “Yeah, I did get to the court prior to him very early, and unfortunately I had to stand on court like a retard.”

Ciara Lawrence, who has a learning disability and is a campaigns support officer at Mencap, slammed the Australian’s language.

“I’d like the player to apologise and would encourage him to meet people with a learning disability so he can understand why the word is so damaging and offensive,” she said.

“Time and time again I hear this word used as if it has no effect. People clearly don’t understand how upsetting and offensive this is to people with a learning disability like me.

“It makes people with a learning disability seem not as people but as second-class citizens, and is no different to discriminating against someone who is gay or black.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!