BBC's Andrew Castle sparks Wimbledon row over 'insulting' commentary as fans appalled

Andrew Castle has caused a huge Wimbledon furore, after viewers watching at home were left 'disgusted' by his commentary of the match between Jack Draper on Tuesday.

Former tennis pro and ex GMTV presenter Castle has been on the BBC's Wimbledon rota for years now, taking charge of some memorable matches at SW19 and, most recently, was tasked with giving analysis as Brit Draper took on Swedish star Elias Ymer in a tie that was originally scheduled to be on court number 2, but was upgraded to Centre at the last minute, after Andy Murray's withdrawl from the singles draw.

Those4 with tickets for Draper v Ymer were treated to a five set thriller, as the Swede won the first set, before Draper got things back on track by taking the second and third, only for his opponent to then take the next 6-4, forcing the game into a fifth. Draper eventually triumphed in a 3-2 win after more than three hours on court, thanks to winning the final set 6-3.

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Draper's victory set up an all British clash in the next round against Cameron Norrie but, while there was no denying that Draper v Ymer delivered on top tier sporting entertainment, viewers watching Wimbledon coverage on the BBC at home were far from impressed by some of Andrew's remarks.

On one occasion during the game, Castle made mention of Ymer's brother Mikel's 18 month suspension from the game, having failed to turn up to three doping tests and, in another breath, the commentator speculated about whether either of the players 'came from money' another comment that tennis fans felt was highly inappropriate.

Taking aim at Castle on X, one critic fumed: "Andrew Castle talking about whether Draper and Ymer "came from money" or not, is the kind of posh elitist bulls**t that Tennis needs to get past," as another replied: "I’m with you, I was bloody furious." A third raged: "According to Andrew Castle Ymer’s family are “poor” and Jack comes from a “privileged background”. Is this tennis commentary?"

On the subject of the remarks about Ymer's brother, another blasted: "@BBCSport why do you still employ Andrew Castle. Why is he talking about Ymer’s brother? How is this relevant to the match? Asking on behalf of tennis fans everywhere"