Comedian Andrew Lawrence shows cancelled after racist 'jokes' about England's Black players

Comedian Andrew Lawrence has had several tour dates cancelled after making a string of racist "jokes" on Twitter in the wake of England's Euro 2020 defeat.

The 41-year-old faced widespread condemnation after he tweeted he was "sorry that the black guys are bad at penalties".

He added: "All I'm saying is, the white guys scored."

A number of venues have cancelled their shows with Andrew Lawrence

And in reference to Marcus Rashford, whose campaign for free school meals for the government to U-turn on policy, he added: "I'd rather he practiced his penalties, and the kids had gone hungry."

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all subjected to abusive posts in the wake of their missed penalties in the shoot-out. Lawrence's agents revealed they cut ties with the comedian.

In a post on Twitter, RBM Comedy - which represents high profile stars including Miles Jupp and Hugh Dennis - said: "RBM no longer represent Andrew Lawrence." Several venues which were due to host Lawrence announced they were pulling his shows.

"I know you won't particularly care, but we at Chesham Comedy Club will not tolerate racism in any form so please consider your booking with us cancelled," one venue wrote, responding to his social media post.

Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Hampshire also revealed it had pulled a gig with Lawrence, which was due to take place in January next year.

Lawrence's tour date at Leicester Square Theatre has now been taken off sale.

In a post on Twitter, the venue, in Totton, near Southampton, said: "Following the racist comments made by comedian Andrew Lawrence on Twitter we made the decision to cancel his show.

"As part of a learning disability charity Minstead Trust, we work hard to promote inclusivity, provide safe spaces for everyone and have zero tolerance for racism." Nine venues in total, including in

London, Eastleigh and Southampton, have all stopped selling tickets for Lawrence's events.

His tour, named "Andrew Lawrence: The Pale, Male & Stale Tour", is described as "despicably white, horrendously middle-aged and most appalling of all- a man, Live at the Apollo comedian Andrew Lawrence presents an antidote to the comedy world’s smug, faux-Liberal orthodoxy in this all new show of the funniest and possibly most offensive jokes you’ve ever heard.

"No braying self-righteous wokeness. No angry, finger-pointing delusions of inequality. No PC garbage. Just big laughs and a great night out."

England captain Harry Kane defended Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka for their penalty misses, tweeting: "Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up and take a pen when the stakes were high.

"They deserve support and backing not the vile racist abuse they’ve had since last night. If you abuse anyone on social media you’re not an England fan and we don’t want you."