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Ugly scenes on RTÉ force Brolly to make on-air apology

GAA pundit Joe Brolly was forced to make an on-air apology yesterday after remarking that Cavan football was "as ugly as Marty Morrissey". The former Derry footballer faced a storm of criticism on social media over the remark he made on live on TV about the popular RTÉ commentator.

The 45-year-old barrister had been talking about the defensive tactics of the Cavan football team ahead of their Ulster Football Championship clash with Monaghan when he made the comments.

Brolly, a former All-Ireland winner with Derry, shocked Sunday Game host Michael Lyster with the remarks. "I've referred to Cavan in recent years as the black death because the football has been, as some people have said, as ugly as Marty Morrissey," he said. Brolly was rebuked by the presenter and later made an on-air apology at half time stating his comment "was said in the spirit of affection and not meant literally".

The show host replied: "I presume that's an apology", to which Brolly agreed.

Lyster added: "We appreciate that because it was out of order Joe."

Last night Brolly insisted his remarks were "only a bit of fun".

RTÉ has so far declined to comment.