Jonathan Agnew, the BBC's voice of cricket, has been strongly reprimanded by the Corporation after an extra-ordinary expletive-ridden rant on social media.
The Test Match Special commentator took exception to a column by The Independent's Jonathan Liew and launched a foul-mouthed tirade in a series of direct messages on Twitter.
Agnew called Liew a c*** at least three times in quick succession, adding: 'I'm going no further on the advice of people I have heard back from who know you and think you are a c***. I know you are. Think on.
Jonathan Agnew has been strongly reprimanded by the BBC for his expletive-ridden rant
'C***. You're so strange I don't know if you'd be upset to know those who think you are a c***. Or not.'
Agnew, who earns between £180,000 and £189,999 as the BBC's cricket correspondent, has missed England's first two one-day games against Pakistan owing to a planned holiday.
But in the week former BBC 5Live presenter Danny Baker was sacked by the Beeb for showing a 'serious error of judgement' over a tweet about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby, Agnew has escaped further censure.
Sports Agenda understands BBC bosses took action against Agnew before the direct messages were made public on Saturday, and spoke to the 59-year-old about the 'clear standards of behaviour' they expect.
Agnew has also written to Liew to apologise. Editorial guidelines warn journalists to be 'mindful that the information you disclose does not bring the BBC into disrepute' on social media websites.
Danny Baker was sacked by the BBC for a tweet about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby
In December 2018 Agnew told his colleague Gary Lineker to keep his political views to himself, adding: 'I'd be sacked if I followed your example.'
He has also previously complained about being sent 'vitriol' on Twitter, adding: 'What is the point of coming on and making a rude, inflammatory introduction? The answer is, there isn't, unless you really want to cause trouble.'
A BBC spokesperson said: 'We don't comment on individual staff matters but we take this very seriously and have clear standards of behaviour we expect all personnel to abide by.'
McLaren have caused a stir by dropping their paddock lunches, saving them an eye-watering £500,000 over the season. The lavish buffets, plus gratis drinks, acted as Formula One's canteen for media and sundry hangers on.
But after a record £96million operating loss by their racing division last year, cutbacks have had to be made across the board, and the spreads are now reserved for team members and invited guests, starting at the Spanish Grand Prix.
VAR SECURITY CLAMPDOWN
The Premier League are going to extreme lengths to protect the integrity of their VAR operations ahead of the major launch next season.
For test matches in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, Hawk-Eye operatives and refereeing experts have been ordered to hand in their phones when they enter the chamber at the Stockley Park base.
The room goes into lockdown 45 minutes before kick-off and recording devices are placed into the ceiling to monitor all conversations.
Operatives are allowed to leave the room to use the toilet — but only at half-time and in the company of chaperones.
Hawk-Eye staff, who have no influence on refereeing decisions, have also been asked to reveal their personal club
