Somerset will sign Chris Gayle despite ‘inappropriate’ remarks to reporter

Somerset have described Chris Gayle’s latest lewd remarks to a female journalist as “inappropriate” but confirmed there are no plans to cancel the West Indian batsman’s upcoming return to the club this summer.

“I was disappointed to read the article,” Guy Lavender, the Somerset chief executive, told the Observer. “But as I’ve said before, we found him to be fantastic the last time he was here, in terms of activities both on and off the pitch. It’s a shame, because it detracts from his cricketing ability. The fact is, what he has said is inappropriate. But we haven’t had an opportunity discuss with him. I’m sure we will. But I don’t see it as grounds not to have him playing for us this summer.”