SBS Presenter Scott McIntyre Fired For 'Despicable' Anzac Day Tweets | HuffPost

Australian Sport Presenter Sacked For 'Despicable' Anzac Day Tweets

Steven Hopkins— The Huffington Post UK

Australia's communications minister has denied having any influence on the sacking of a leading sports presenter who made "despicable" comments about Anzac Day as the world marked its centenary on Saturday.

SBS football reporter and presenter Scott McIntyre was fired by the Australian broadcaster after he wrote that the soldiers involved in the Gallipoli landings in Turkey during World War One carried out "summary execution, widespread rape and theft".

More than 11,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers lost their lives at Gallipoli as part of an allied force which suffered a death toll of 45,000; 86,000 Turkish troops also died - all for no material gain.

McIntyre's tweets which have since been deleted from his Twitter account

McIntyre's tweets, which have since been deleted from his account, claimed the Anzacs committed atrocities in Egypt, Palestine and Japan: "The cultification of an imperialist invasion of a foreign nation that Australia had no quarrel with is against all ideals of modern society," he wrote.

SBS moved quickly to fire McIntyre on Saturday, but there is conflicting reports about whether he was sacked for making the tweets, or for refusing to remove them. Minister Malcolm Turnbull's influence on the outcome has also been questioned.

SBS reporter Scott McIntyre was fired for making "despicable" comments about Anzac Day

According to The Guardian, the director of sport at SBS, Ken Shipp, told staff on Monday that McIntyre was sacked for disobeying an order to delete the posts. When contacted by the paper he declined to comment on the claim.

Story continues below

Anzac Day centenary

TURKEY-WWI-HISTORY-AUSTRALIA-NZEALAND-BRITAIN-ROYALS-ANZAC(01 of26)

Britain's Prince Charles (L), Prince of Wales and Prince Harry smiles as they attend a memorial service on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the land campaign of the Battle of Gallipoli in Canakkale on April 25, 2015. Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders thronged the beaches of Turkey's Gallipoli peninsula to remember the heroism and sacrifice of their forefathers in the World War I campaign against the Ottoman Empire 100 years ago. Troops from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) launched their first amphibious assaults on the Gallipoli Peninsula in what is now western Turkey on April 25, 1915, splashing through the waters into a rain of Ottoman gunfire. AFP PHOTO / ADEM ALTAN (Photo credit should read ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ADEM ALTAN via Getty Images)

Gallipoli centenary commemorations(02 of26)

RETRANSMITTED CORRECTING CAPTIONDean of Westminster Dr John Hall escorts Queen Elizabeth II as she arrives for the Service of Commemoration at Westminster Abbey, London to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign and Anzac Day. (credit:Hannah McKay/PA Wire)

Gallipoli centenary commemorations(03 of26)

Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and wife Justine as they leave the Service of Commemoration at Westminster Abbey, London to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign and Anzac Day. (credit:Hannah McKay/PA Wire)

Gallipoli centenary commemorations(04 of26)

Dean of Westminster Dr John Hall escorts Queen Elizabeth II as she leaves the Service of Commemoration at Westminster Abbey, London to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign and Anzac Day. (credit:Hannah McKay/PA Wire)

Gallipoli centenary commemorations(05 of26)

Flag bearers depart the Service of Commemoration at Westminster Abbey, London to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign and Anzac Day. (credit:Hannah McKay/PA Wire)

Gallipoli centenary commemorations(06 of26)

Queen Elizabeth ll attends a Service to Commemorate the Centenary of the Gallipoli and Anzac Campaigns at Westminster Abbey in London (credit:Anwar Hussein/Anwar Hussein)

Gallipoli centenary commemorations(07 of26)

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attends a Service to Commemorate the Centenary of the Gallipoli and Anzac Campaigns at Westminster Abbey in London (credit:Anwar Hussein/Anwar Hussein)

Turkey Gallipoli(08 of26)

Britain's Prince of Wales, right, his son, Prince Harry, center, and Australia's Prime Minister Tony listen to the Turkish national anthem during a ceremony at the 57th Turkish Regiment cemetery and memorial site at the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey, Saturday, April 25, 2015. As world leaders gather with the descendants of the fighters in Gallipoli, the memories of one of the most harrowing campaigns of the 20th century have come surging back to life. The doomed Allied offensive to secure a naval route from the Mediterranean to Istanbul through the Dardanelles, and take the Ottomans out of the war, resulted in over 130,000 deaths on both sides.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (credit:Burhan Ozbilici/AP)

Turkey Gallipoli(09 of26)

Britain's Prince of Wales, right, and his son, Prince Harry, speak during a ceremony at the 57th Turkish Regiment cemetery and memorial site at the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey, Saturday, April 25, 2015. As world leaders gather with the descendants of the fighters in Gallipoli, the memories of one of the most harrowing campaigns of the 20th century have come surging back to life. The doomed Allied offensive to secure a naval route from the Mediterranean to Istanbul through the Dardanelles, and take the Ottomans out of the war, resulted in over 130,000 deaths on both sides. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (credit:Burhan Ozbilici/AP)

Gallipoli centenary commemorations(10 of26)

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attends a Service to Commemorate the Centenary of the Gallipoli and Anzac Campaigns at Westminster Abbey in London (credit:Anwar Hussein/Anwar Hussein)

Turkey Gallipoli(11 of26)

Britain's Prince of Wales, right, Prince Harry, center, and Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott look during a ceremony at the 57th Turkish Regiment cemetery and memorial site at the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey, Saturday, April 25, 2015. As world leaders gather with the descendants of the fighters in Gallipoli, the memories of one of the most harrowing campaigns of the 20th century have come surging back to life. The doomed Allied offensive to secure a naval route from the Mediterranean to Istanbul through the Dardanelles, and take the Ottomans out of the war, resulted in over 130,000 deaths on both sides.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (credit:Burhan Ozbilici/AP)

Turkey Gallipoli(12 of26)

Britain's Prince of Wales walks to place a wreath at the 57th Turkish Regiment cemetery and memorial site at the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey, Saturday, April 25, 2015. As world leaders gather with the descendants of the fighters in Gallipoli, the memories of one of the most harrowing campaigns of the 20th century have come surging back to life. The doomed Allied offensive to secure a naval route from the Mediterranean to Istanbul through the Dardanelles, and take the Ottomans out of the war, resulted in over 130,000 deaths on both sides.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (credit:Burhan Ozbilici/AP)

Turkey Gallipoli(13 of26)

Britain's Prince of Wales, left, and Prince Harry speak during a ceremony at the 57th Turkish Regiment cemetery and memorial site at the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey, Saturday, April 25, 2015. As world leaders gather with the descendants of the fighters in Gallipoli, the memories of one of the most harrowing campaigns of the 20th century have come surging back to life. The doomed Allied offensive to secure a naval route from the Mediterranean to Istanbul through the Dardanelles, and take the Ottomans out of the war, resulted in over 130,000 deaths on both sides.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (credit:Burhan Ozbilici/AP)

Turkey Gallipoli(14 of26)

An Azeri student holds his national flag during a ceremony at the 57th Turkish Regiment cemetery and memorial site at the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey, Saturday, April 25, 2015. As world leaders gather with the descendants of the fighters in Gallipoli, the memories of one of the most harrowing campaigns of the 20th century have come surging back to life. The doomed Allied offensive to secure a naval route from the Mediterranean to Istanbul through the Dardanelles, and take the Ottomans out of the war, resulted in over 130,000 deaths on both sides.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (credit:Burhan Ozbilici/AP)

Turkey Gallipoli(15 of26)

Turkish soldiers place a wreath during a ceremony at the 57th Turkish Regiment cemetery and memorial site at the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey, Saturday, April 25, 2015. As world leaders gather with the descendants of the fighters in Gallipoli, the memories of one of the most harrowing campaigns of the 20th century have come surging back to life. The doomed Allied offensive to secure a naval route from the Mediterranean to Istanbul through the Dardanelles, and take the Ottomans out of the war, resulted in over 130,000 deaths on both sides.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (credit:Burhan Ozbilici/AP)

AFL Rd 4 - Fremantle v Sydney(16 of26)

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: A war veteran looks on before the pre-game ANZAC Day commemorations before the round four AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Sydney Swans at Domain Stadium on April 25, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) (credit:Paul Kane via Getty Images)

Gallipoli Campaign Centenary: The Commemorations, April 25(17 of26)

ECEABAT, TURKEY - APRIL 25: Warren Day, from Mundaring, Australia, lays medals onto the gravestone of an Australian soldier from Mundaring killed during the Gallipoli campaign at Ari Burnu cemetery at Anzac Cove on the centenary of the campaign on April 25, 2015 near Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (credit:Sean Gallup via Getty Images)

Gallipoli Campaign Centenary: The Commemorations, April 25(18 of26)

ECEABAT, TURKEY - APRIL 25: Australian and New Zealander service personnel attend the Dawn Service as part of the ANZAC Commemorative Service on April 25, 2015 in Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) (credit:Tristan Fewings via Getty Images)

Gallipoli Campaign Centenary: The Commemorations, April 25(19 of26)

ECEABAT, TURKEY - APRIL 25: Visitors who had attended the Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site, including one draped in the flag of New Zealand, walk amongst the gravestones of mostly Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died during the Gallipoli campaign at Shrapnel Valley cemetery on the centenary of the campaign on April 25, 2015 near Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (credit:Sean Gallup via Getty Images)

Gallipoli Campaign Centenary: The Commemorations, April 25(20 of26)

ECEABAT, TURKEY - APRIL 25: Australian and New Zealander service personnel attend the Dawn Service as part of the ANZAC Commemorative Service on April 25, 2015 in Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) (credit:Tristan Fewings via Getty Images)

Gallipoli Campaign Centenary: The Commemorations, April 25(21 of26)

ECEABAT, TURKEY - APRIL 25: Australians and New Zealanders attend the Dawn Service as part of the ANZAC Commemorative Service on April 25, 2015 in Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) (credit:Tristan Fewings via Getty Images)

Gallipoli Campaign Centenary: The Commemorations, April 25(22 of26)

ECEABAT, TURKEY - APRIL 25: Australian and New Zealander service personnel attend the Dawn Service as part of the ANZAC Commemorative Service on April 25, 2015 in Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) (credit:Tristan Fewings via Getty Images)

Gallipoli Campaign Centenary: The Commemorations, April 25(23 of26)

ECEABAT, TURKEY - APRIL 25: Australians and New Zealanders attend the Dawn Service as part of the ANZAC Commemorative Service on April 25, 2015 in Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) (credit:Tristan Fewings via Getty Images)

Gallipoli Campaign Centenary: The Commemorations, April 25(24 of26)

ECEABAT, TURKEY - APRIL 25: Australian and New Zealander service personnel attend the Dawn Service as part of the ANZAC Commemorative Service on April 25, 2015 in Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) (credit:Tristan Fewings via Getty Images)

Gallipoli Campaign Centenary: The Commemorations, April 25(25 of26)

ECEABAT, TURKEY - APRIL 25: Australians and New Zealanders attend the Dawn Service as part of the ANZAC Commemorative Service on April 25, 2015 in Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) (credit:Tristan Fewings via Getty Images)

Gallipoli Campaign Centenary: The Commemorations, April 25(26 of26)

ECEABAT, TURKEY - APRIL 25: Australians and New Zealanders attend the Dawn Service as part of the ANZAC Commemorative Service on April 25, 2015 in Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) (credit:Tristan Fewings via Getty Images)

On Saturday, Shipp and SBS managing director Michael Ebeid, claimed that McIntyre had been fired for breaching their Code of Conduct and social media policy and said that his comments had made his on-air position "untenable".

In a statement, Turnbull wrote: "The comments were so offensive that they deserved the widespread condemnation that they received.

"As soon as I was made aware of the tweets by Mr McIntyre I drew them to the attention of the Managing Director Mr Ebeid who then investigated the matter. The management of SBS however, not the Government, is responsible for staffing decisions at SBS."

Turnbull went on to say that McIntyre, "as a private citizen" was entitled to express his views, but as an employer of SBS he was required to comply with their policies. He said the reporter had breached their social media rules.

SBS said McIntyre's comments were "highly inappropriate and disrespectful".

Australian Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been questioned about his involvement in McIntyre's sacking

The mangers said "respect for Australian audiences" is paramount at SBS, and that McIntyre's comments had breached their Code of Conduct and social media policy, which led to them taking "decisive action".

Their statement went on to say: "At SBS, employees on and off air are encouraged to participate in social media, however maintaining the integrity of the network and audience trust is vital. It is unfortunate that on this very important occasion, Mr McIntyre’s comments have compromised both.

"SBS apologises for any offence or harm caused by Mr McIntyre’s comments which in no way reflect the views of the network. SBS supports our Anzacs and has devoted unprecedented resources to coverage of the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings."

Gallipoli was an ill-fated mission which was launched at dawn on 25 April, 1915 in the hope of capturing Constantinople, now Istanbul.

The assault involved British, French and their dominions' troops, including New Zealand and Australian soldiers, and was abandoned after months of shelling and sniper fire decimated their numbers.

SEE ALSO
Gallipoli Campaign 100th Anniversary Remembered In Service Honouring Anzac Heroes
The 14 Most Fecking Stupid Things Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott Has Ever Done
Embarrassing Social Media Posts? Clear Uses A Supercomputer To Delete Them

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