FORMULA ONE - OFCOM TO ASSESS ITV1 'PIKEY' REMARK

OFCOM TO ASSESS ITV1 'PIKEY' REMARK

ITV1 could face a fine from media watchdog Ofcom after a slang term for gypsies was used during its formula one coverage.

Commentator Martin Brundle had been carrying out one of his traditional 'walk-and-talk' interviews prior to the Canadian grand prix when he used the word "pikey", considered a derogatory term for the travelling community.

Former driver Brundle was speaking to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone prior to the race and pointed out a portion of track which had been damaged.

"There are some pikeys there at turn ten putting tarmac down - what do you think of that?" he asked Ecclestone.

The network received seven complaints after Brundle's remark and Ofcom will now look at these potential grievances in greater detail, a spokeswoman said.

She stressed that Ofcom is not formally investigating ITV1 at this stage and needs first to look at the complaints in relation to the rules and the broadcasting code.

A formal investigation could begin should a breach of the code be uncovered, with potential recriminations for ITV1 including a financial penalty or being forced to broadcast Ofcom's full ruling.

A spokesman for ITV said: "We apologise for any offence caused by this remark," but the Equality and Human Rights Commission has criticised its broadcasting.

The word "pikey" has been used on television in the past and is "highly derogatory", said a spokesman for the racial equality watchdog.

"[These words] have caused much offence in the past," he added.