Kevin Kilbane has defended fellow former footballer Trevor Sinclair over his controversial tweet following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Sinclair has been under fire after claiming that "black and brown" should not be mourning the death of the long-serving monarch who died at the age of 96 on Thursday.
He said: “Racism was outlawed in England in the 60’s & it's been allowed to thrive so why should black & brown mourn!! #queen.”
READ MORE: Trevor Sinclair issues apology as talkSPORT take him off air over Queen tweet
Sinclair's comments were criticised by many including his employer TalkSport, with the radio station suspending the former England player.
The station announced: "Trevor Sinclair will not be on air while we carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances and timing of his tweet.
"While we respect the right of Trevor Sinclair to express his opinion on his personal Twitter account, talkSPORT does not endorse the tweet."
But Kilbane, who won 110 caps for the Republic of Ireland, has defended Sinclair and claimed that others share his view.
Kilbane tweeted: “People may question the tweet or the timing of it but it’s not just ‘black or brown people’ who share Trevor’s opinion on the monarchy.
“Those calling for him to be sacked are ridiculous.”
Sinclair himself has apologised for his comments, writing: "My tweet yesterday was ill timed at a time when the royal family, and many around the world were grieving for the Queen.
"I apologise for any offence caused to those mourning The Queen."
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