'GMB' Presenter Causes Controversy By Using German Flag As Beer Rag

A presenter on Good Morning Britain has come in for severe criticism online after she was accused of disrespecting the German flag.

Katy Rickett was doing a piece to camera and speaking to hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard from a pub in the North East which is bedecked in flags from competing World Cup nations around the globe.

She was speaking to regulars at the pub about the England v Belgium game later on today but went off-piste in her report by using the German flag as a beer rag to clean the bar.

"I get to hold that flag, and it will be used as a bar rag for the rest of the day," she said as she mopped down the bar with the flag of the recently departed Germans.

According to Rickett, the pub has been taking down each of the flags in turn as the nation that they represent is knocked out of the tournament.

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Viewers were shown footage of the German flag being taken down by a crowd of cheering drinkers - all in jest, of course - but many thought that the skit went way too far when the flag was then used to clean the bar.

"Absolutely disgusting, she should be ashamed of herself showing such disrespect to another country's flag," wrote one social media user.

"Disrespectful, childish and disgraceful behaviour, ripping down another nation's flag and using it as a rag. Irrespective of which nation it is... #gmb" wrote another, while a third added "Do you think taking the German flag and wiping the bar with it is respectful? Disgusting behaviour."

Many contrasted the way in which the German flag was treated with the inevitable outrage that would follow if a German used the British flag in a similar manner.

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"What a disgrace that #GMB uses a German Flag as a dishcloth, total disrespect, how would English fans feel, not impressed," wrote one Tweeter.

"Can't believe the reporter on #gmb just used a #German flag as a bar rag. If that was in reverse there would be outcry. Just because they're out is no reason to disrespect another country's flag. Very odd editorial decision," wrote another.

Kate Rickett realised the error of her ways and apologised swiftly, taking to social media to say sorry for her actions.

"To anyone offended by the German flag this morning I sincerely apologise," she wrote.

"Was just talking about the fact all flags are taken down as teams lose at the pub, if anyone saw any disrespect it was entirely unintentional."

Topics: SPORT, UK News, TV and Film, Russia 2018, Germany, GMB, World Cup

Mike Wood

Mike Meehall Wood is a freelance journalist and translator. He writes for LADbible, VICE and countless sports publications, focusing on rugby league, football and boxing. He is a graduate of Leeds University and maintains a fizzy pop obsession. Contact Mike at [email protected]