Former Irish rugby international Neil Francis caused controversy yesterday when he claimed that gay people “have very little interest in sport” because “it is too manly.”

Speaking to presenter Joe Molloy on Newstalk’s Off The Ball, the 49 year-old retired Irish player was asked his opinion on athletes coming out. In response, he said that gay people have no interest in sport, and that he thinks less than 1% of sports players are gay. He added, “As a sportsman, you don’t like ballet.”

Francis continued to draw on gay stereotypes, saying “If you did a survey of the hairdressing industry, how many heterosexuals work in that? Gay men don’t play sport because it is too manly.”

Speaking about the Olympics in Sochi, he said he was not watching the games because he believes that Russia’ anti-gay laws are overshadowing the sporting events. He said, “[I’m] sick and tired of, y’know, sort of picking up, y’know angles on whether the Russians have an anti-gay policy or not. It’s about the Olympics or not, and the side issue has just put me off.”

Francis predicted that his comments may not be popular, but said, “I’m here. I’m going to express an opinion.”

Twitter immediately blew up with people condemning the former Irish rugby player’s comments.

Neil Francis really deserves no air time as a sports journalist. Disgraceful comments

— Niall Breslin (@nbrez) February 16, 2014

So, Neil Francis is a prehistoric idiot who illustrates perfectly why he’s part of the problem. https://t.co/dp5xm7evxH

— twentymajor (@twentymajor) February 17, 2014

Well done, Neil Francis, on perpetuating the ignorance and idiocy that makes it so hard for gay sportspeople to come out, you absolute tool.

— Una Mullally (@UnaMullally) February 16, 2014

Gay hurler Conor Cusack tweeted a brilliant response to Neil Francis,

Apparently people like me don't play 'manly' sports so looking forward to training tomorrow night in the 'unmanly' sport of hurling

— Conor Cusack (@Conor14Cusack) February 16, 2014

11 broken bones in hands snapped cruciates 7 knee operations lips sliced in half requiring plastic surgery 6 teeth blown out #unmanlysport

— Conor Cusack (@Conor14Cusack) February 16, 2014