China's most popular television football commentator has been forced to apologise for an extraordinary outburst of pro-Italy bias during his call as the Azzurri knocked Australia out of the World Cup.
Huang Jianxiang, who was commentating for an audience of millions on the state-run CCTV, was unable to control his enthusiasm when Fabio Grosso went down in a challenge and a last-minute penalty was awarded to the Italians.
"Penalty! Penalty! Penalty!" he screamed. "Grosso's done it, Grosso's done it!
"The great Italian left back! He succeeded in the glorious traditions of Italy! Facchetti, Cabrini and Maldini, their souls are infused in him at this moment!
"Grosso represents the long history and traditions of Italian soccer, he's not fighting alone at this moment! He's not alone!"
