People have expressed their disgust after radio presenter Pete Price was "verbally attacked" at the Grand National.
The Liverpool talk show legend, 77, was involved in a disagreement at a bar at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday (April 15). A video circulating on social media shows Pete being called a c*** by a fellow attendee before he responds with his own outburst.
Pete is then followed out of the bar by the person behind the camera, who calls him a lizard numerous times. Pete said the incident arose after he was the target of provocation and numerous homophobic slurs, which left him fearing for his safety, reports the ECHO.
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In a statement sent to the ECHO, Pete said: "I am aware of a video that is circulating from the Grand National on Saturday. Whilst I would apologise for the use of the language used and any offence that may have caused, I am beyond hurt, upset and angry that my clear distress has been released as a source of amusement in this way.
"I would like to clarify that my reaction is a result of a culmination of extensive provocation which began with multiple vile, homophobic slurs, which made me not only angry but also fear for my safety. My distress in the video is clear to see and the prolonged verbal attack I received at the end of my working day is absolutely horrible to re-live.
"I had enjoyed three fantastic days at Aintree, walked the course many times over and engaged with hundreds, if not thousands of race-goers who were fun, polite, respectful and kind. I have posed for as many photos as I could, done personal messages for loved ones on guest phones and generally tried my absolute best to accommodate every request I could in the spirit of what is a fantastic occasion.
"Every person I engaged with was an absolute pleasure to be in the company of – sadly the same cannot be said about those who have not only verbally attacked me, but also filmed it with a view to distribute it to add to my distress. The video shows that even as I walk away, having bought drinks for my colleagues, and try to remove myself from the situation, I am being followed and baited by the perpetrator who continues to shout abuse and mock me with no regard for my welfare, or those around me.
"I am saddened that as a 77 year old man, who has spent an entire lifetime engaging with public and doing as much as I can for others, that at this stage in my life behaviour like this is seen as acceptable to some.
"In summary, I am incredibly wounded and devastated by this attack, I have not slept, I am struggling to eat, it has made me question some people’s moral compass. I will be taking a break from social media whilst I come to terms with what has absolutely hurt me to the core. To the many nice people I met at Aintree and to the staff and race-goers who assisted me after this attack – thank you!"
Readers expressed their shock at the video. Allen Steel said: "I don't think it's funny. He's a 77 year old man getting abuse and filming it.... imagine someone doing that to your grandad you wouldn't be happy. What makes it worse is he walks away and the b*****d filming it goes after him. Bang out of order that."
James Danson said: "Imagine bullying and following a pensioner about!!! Very strange behaviour!!" while David Hill said: "Disgusting how he was hounded, what people will do for five minutes of fame."
Dean O'Brien said: "Whatever your perception is of Pete Price, he's 77 years old and he's basically being harassed. I think it's naughty. One thing to argue with him but to follow him out to where he was sitting and continue to hurl abuse at him is wrong, for me like."
One ECHO commenter said: "Leave the man alone. Bunch of ignorant rude people. Nobody deserves to be hounded."
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