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A Channel 4 presenter has found himself at the centre of a race storm after making reference to American President Barack Obama "smiling like a split watermelon".

Matt Frei, Europe Editor for Channel 4 News, has apologised for using the expression during a report on the Pope's high-profile visit to the US tonight.

The phrase upset many as the watermelon is often considered a symbol of racism towards black people in the States.

(Image: Danny Martindale/Getty Images)

It dates back to a stereotype that African Americans are particularly fond of the fruit.

Many took to Twitter to express outrage at Mr Frei's use of the phrase.

The retired basketballer and campaigner John Amaechi wrote: "I'm sorry, did Channel 4 News just say Obama was "smiling like a split watermelon"? WTF. No. Just no. How does that get past editorial?!"

Columnist Giles Coren added: "Hang on. Did Matt Frei on Channel 4 News just say Obama was "smiling like a split watermelon"? He can't have. HE F*****G CAN'T HAVE!!!"

Another viewer Meredith Wheeler wrote: "Obama's smile like a split watermelon? To an American ear, this is racist."

Another tweeted Matt Frei asking: "why would you use the offensive 'smile like a split watermelon' when referring to any black man, let alone Obama?"

(Image: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

The Channel 4 presenter quickly apologised on Twitter after coming under fire.

He wrote: "I apologise to those upset by my description of President Obama’s smile on tonight’s programme.

"It was intended as an entirely innocent phrase that apparently has a history I simply wasn’t aware of. Honestly no offence intended."

Last year, a cartoonist for the Boston Herald apologised over an illustration which made reference to President Obama being offered watermelon-flavoured toothpaste by a White House intruder.

Artist Jerry Holbert said the racial undertone had not been intended.

Boris Johnson has previously been criticised for a similar remark.

In 2002 he wrote of Tony Blair visiting Africa: "The pangas will stop their hacking of human flesh and the tribal warriors will all break out in watermelon smiles to see the big white chief."

He later apologised but insisted the comments had been taken out of context.