Geoffrey Boycott played 108 Tests for England, scoring over 8000 runs at an average of 47.72. He also slammed 22 Test centuries and 42 fifties to stake his claim as one of the great English batsmen and a respected commentator. But, recently, the former England star stirred up a storm for his racist slur against the West Indies cricketers.

The 76-year-old made the controversial comment to VIP guests at the day-night Test between England and West Indies. At a Q&A session during a break in play at Edgbaston on 19 August, Boycott said knighthoods were handed out like "confetti" to West Indies cricket greats.

"Mine's been turned down twice. I'd better black me face," he told Sky Sports presenter Gary Newborn who was hosting the session. His comment was met by an uneasy silence at the Birmingham venue where diners, including several black guests, had paid nearly 300 Euros each for a luxury hospitality package.

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According to the Daily Mirror, a source present during the session revealed: "It was a crass comment. It was intended to get a laugh but it went down like a lead balloon. People were offended. Is Boycott suggesting these great West Indians got knighthoods merely because of the colour of their skin? Birmingham is celebrated for its ethnic diversity and racial tolerance".

"They (his comments) were ill-advised and ill-conceived. The West Indian cricketers received knighthoods because they excelled on the cricket field. He should take a long, hard look at why he doesn't have a knighthood rather than offending those who do have one," the source added.

Among the 11 West Indian cricketers knighted are Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Viv Richards. The last England star to get a knighthood for services to cricket was Sir Ian Botham in 2007. Before that, it was Sir Alec Bedser who got knighted in 1997.

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Realising his error in judgement, the former England and Yorkshire batsman did apologise later but the damage was already done. He responded on Twitter, accepting his comments were "unacceptable" and "clearly wrong".

“Speaking at an informal gathering I was asked a question and I realise my answer was unacceptable. I meant no offence but what I said was clearly wrong and I apologise unreservedly. I have loved West Indian cricket my whole life and have the utmost respect for its players,” he wrote.