The former England manager committed the gaffe after watching Chelsea striker Fernando Torres mis-control the ball when through on goal.

Co-commentator Hoddle said: "When it's not going for you, it's not going for you. It's come off his chest, his knee and his toe. It's almost like the Chinese player Knee Shin Toe."

Hoddle said today: "I can only apologise to those who took offence.

"There's no excuse. It's an old football expression and I understand I can't say things like that."

Sky sacked presenter Richard Keys and analyst Andy Gray last month after the pair were caught on camera making disparaging comments about women while Hoddle was dismissed as England boss in 1999 after controversial remarks about disabled people in a Sunday Times interview.