TOP BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson has been accused of sexism after he linked the size of a female presenter’s handbag to the equal pay campaign.

He was commentating with John Murray on Liverpool’s second leg Champions League semi-final against Roma on 5 Live on Wednesday night.

4 BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson has been accused of sexism after he linked the size of a female presenter’s handbag to the equal pay campaign Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Lawrenson, 60, compared the fourth official’s board, which was held up to show three minutes of extra time, to a handbag.

Co-commentator Murray then added it was not as big as “Kelly’s handbag” which was “enormous”.

The coverage of the game was being anchored by Kelly Cates.

Lawrenson then jokingly commented “equal pay” which saw Murray stifle laughter as he said: “I will ignore that.”

4 Kelly Cates was presenting the coverage on the BBC Credit: Getty - Contributor

4 John Murray was commentating on the game between Liverpool and Roman Credit: RTE

4 Lawro compared the fourth official’s board, which was held up to show three minutes of extra time, to a handbag Credit: BT Sport

But the quip backfired as viewers branded Lawrenson’s behaviour “nasty” and “sexist”.

@TonyTheBFG said: “Pointless and slightly nasty little barb about equal pay directed at Kelly Cates. When is someone going to tell the man he is not funny? Never has been, never will be.”

Liverpool players hold up a banner dedicated to Sean Cox in the Stadio Olympico after beating Roma to reach Champions League final

Nicola Barr@NicolaBarr123: “Actually not able to enjoy Liverpool winning cos of Mark Lawrenson’s pathetic sexism on @bbc5live. Have a word guys. Ffs.”

Alex Laing@ALaingSEO said: “F***ing Mark Lawrenson has just dropped a clanger on 5Live. Commenting on the size of a colleague's purse, he remarked "equal pay..."

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Iain Reid@iain_reid added: “@BBCSport sack Lawro. Dinosaur sexist muppet.”

Mel-eesha-Su@mellymeljc said: “Nice to hear #sexism alive & well on @bbc5live you absolute #idiot Lawrenson it's #2018 mate.”

Equal pay has become a huge issue at the BBC after former China editor Carrie Gracie quit her post over concerns male counterparts were getting more than her. This sparked a massive row at the broadcaster, that is still going on, as the corporation attempts to make sure men and women are being paid equally for the same roles.

The BBC declined to comment.

Nice to hear #sexism alive & well on @bbc5live you absolute #idiot Lawrenson it's #2018 mate 🙄☹😡😠 — Mel 3💛.🖤5❤% (@mellymeljc) May 2, 2018

The 'sexist' gag that got Lawro in trouble Lawrenson: “It’s three (minutes of stoppage time). Because you can see the fella with what looks like a handbag (fourth official holding the subs board).” Murray: “It’s three. It’s not as big as Kelly’s handbag. It’s enormous. It’s the biggest handbag I have ever seen.” Lawrenson: “Equal pay.” Murray: “I will ignore that.”