Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Alison Langdon have been slammed by viewers after making a “racist” comment in regards to the World Cup.
After making a remark on the lack of Qatari women at World Cup matches, Lebanese-Australian Rami Ykmour, who co-founded the restaurant chain Rashays, took to TikTok to slam the pair for making fun of Middle Eastern culture.
“Racism at its finest… pure racism, shame on them,” Ykmour said in the video about Langdon and Stefanovic.
“This is not just racist to Qataris and the Middle East, it’s racist against everyone who lives in this country who has a Middle Eastern background.
“Any chance to punch anyone of Middle Eastern background, they will, and they got to understand there is a lot of us out here and that’s not the way we think and it’s not the way we behave.
“That is just pure, pure racism. I think Karl owes people an apology,” he added.
The heated reaction from Ykmour came in response to a video posted to 9News’ TikTok account, during which reporter Clint Stanaway described the World Cup atmosphere as “strange”.
“I’ve been to World Cups in Brazil and then also Russia and it’s just a different atmosphere I guess,” Stanaway said.
Karl Stefanovic replied, “It’s good to see a lot of women enjoying it over there too, Clinty,” to which Stanaway replied, “There weren’t too many in the stands.”
Ally Langdon then added, “Haven’t spotted one there yet.”
@rami.ykmour It’s unbelievable what I still hear in supposedly “progressive” media. Be better Channel 9.
♬ Inspirational Background Music ( warm, motivation, determined, cinematic ) – four_track
Ykmour made headlines early in the pandemic when he was arrested after staff were seen working without masks amid the Greater Sydney Covid lockdown in 2021. after police received a tip-off that staff at the Chester Hill head office were not wearing masks as required.
When police arrived at the office, two workers were not wearing face masks.
During the dramatic arrest, Ykmour was seen arguing with officers as at least eight officers escort him into a police van.
“Who’s gonna pay us for all this labour?” he was heard saying.
“Who’s gonna pay us for all these losses? Go and try and keep this business alive, mate.”
Ykmour was later issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice for hindering police and is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court in August, while two Rashays staff members were fined $200 each for failing to wear a mask.
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