Swann sorry for 'a**e raped in Perth' comment
England spinner Graeme Swann has apologised for making "crass and thoughtless" comments via social media.
England spinner Graeme Swann has apologised for making "crass and thoughtless" comments via social media.
Swann, who has endured a poor stretch of form during a three-nil Ashes series defeat in Australia, posted the remarks on brother Alec Swann's Facebook page.
Former Northamptonshire and Lancashire batsman Alec had acknowledged his attendance at a performance by band Shed Seven on Facebook, with his younger sibling replying: "Rather have been there than being a**e raped in Perth!"
The remark was publicly visible – and soon drew criticism from Rape Crisis charity chief executive Yvonne Traynor.
"We are appalled that Graeme equates a cricket match with the devastatingly serious crime of rape," insisted Traynor.
"It is the duty of a people in the public eye to make sure their own distorted views are kept to themselves and not shared with the general public.
"These comments lack compassion and intelligence, and he should apologise to anyone who has suffered from this heinous crime."
Swann later tweeted: "Sorry to anyone who was offended by my comments in the papers today. Crass and thoughtless of me in the extreme."
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