Chris Gayle 'sexism' row: Social media reaction

Chris Gayle's comments have prompted widespread reaction on social media

West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle's "inappropriate" comments to an Australian female reporter have cost him A$10,000 and have sparked plenty of reaction on social media.

Gayle was speaking to journalist Mel McLaughlin during a Big Bash League match in Hobart on Monday and said the following: "To see your eyes for the first time is nice. Hopefully we can have a drink afterwards. Don't blush baby."

The remarks were widely condemned as sexist, but Gayle apologised afterwards. However, he added that the reaction was "out of proportion". .

He also posted the following tweets in the wake of the exchange, including retweeting a message of support from TV presenter Piers Morgan.

In the 24 hours since the interview, his name has been tweeted about 27,000 times. Some people also used the hashtag #dontblushbaby in reference to one of the comments he made to the female journalist:

The trend started in Australia but quickly spread to other countries including the UK, India and Jamaica, where Gayle is from.

His comments also prompted a strong reaction from the cricketing community and sports reporters.

Former England all-rounder Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff tweeted:

BBC cricket commentator Alison Mitchell tweeted her reaction, calling Gayle's behaviour "unprofessional and inappropriate":

And Fox Sports reporter Neroli Meadows tweeted that it was "not funny" or "original":

Meanwhile, Australian hockey international Georgie Parker called for "calm":

Mel McLaughlin has yet to tweet on the matter herself, but her comments have been widely spread and discussed by media colleagues, with Australian broadcaster ABC tweeting:

Other tweeters have put it down to "banter":

But that was dismissed by others, with the Guardian's Sachin Nakrani tweeting:

And one bookmaker added the following tweet:

Compiled by Stephen Fottrell. Additional reporting by Diana Rusk.