Racing pundit John McCririck loses ageism case against Channel 4

An employment tribunal has thrown out a £3million discrimination case filed by John McCririck against Channel 4.

16:59 14 November 2013

John McCririck filed a lawsuit against Channel 4 claiming he was sacked because the network wanted someone younger. Today, an employment tribunal has threw out his £3million discrimination case and ruled the ‘bigoted male chauvinist’ alienated viewers.

The 73-year-old was clearly not happy with the ruling. He said: ‘This is a historic setback for all employees in their thirties to their seventies.

“After such a landmark judicial verdict, my failed legal action ensures that anonymous suits and skirts, who control the media, numerous other businesses and the public sector, will now enjoy complete freedom to replace older employees whatever their unimpaired ability and merit.

“I have let them all down … apologies to every one of them.”

Meanwhile, London Central Employment Tribunal panel, explained that it wasn’t his age that cost him his job but his “arrogant and confrontational” style that put off many viewers.

The panel said: “All the evidence is that Mr McCririck’s pantomime persona, as demonstrated on the celebrity television appearances, and his persona when appearing on Channel 4 Racing, together with his self-described bigoted and male chauvinist views were clearly unpalatable to a wider potential audience...

“Mr McCririck was dismissed because of his persona emanating from his appearances from celebrity television shows, and the associated press articles resulting from them, together with his appearances as a broadcaster on Channel 4 Racing where, as he accepted, his style of dress, attitudes, opinions and tic tac gestures were not in keeping with the new aims, and his opinions seen as arrogant and confrontational.”