An announcer at a girls’ high school basketball game in Oklahoma used a racial slur as players kneeled during the national anthem.

The Norman High School team took the knee before their quarter-final game against Midwest City – a familiar way of protesting racial and social injustice.

One of the livestream’s broadcasters, who didn’t realise their microphone was live, was heard saying: “They’re kneeling? F*** them. I hope Norman gets their ass kicked… F****** n******.”

The Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association said it would not tolerate this kind of behaviour, adding: “While we are currently investigating the incident, this crew will not be doing any more games for the remainder of our championships.”

And NFHS Network, which was streaming the game, said it was “sickened” and “outraged” by the comments made on the broadcast.

Norman High School’s superintendent, Nick Migliorino, said that the school district supports the students’ right to freely express themselves.

He added: “We condemn and will not tolerate the disgusting words and attitudes of these announcers. We will do everything in our power to support and uplift our team and everyone affected by this incident.”

And Joy Hofmeister, Oklahoma’s state superintendent of public instruction, added: “The remarks made were sickening and vile. My heart aches for the young female athletes who were subjected to this hateful and disgusting tirade.”

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