GLADIATORS host Bradley Walsh was unceremoniously marched off set after a shock on-air clash with referee Mark Clattenburg.
The TV presenter, who hosts the hit BBC show with son Barney Walsh, found himself at the mercy of Mark after hitting back on one of his show rulings.
Gladiators host Bradley Walsh and referee Mark Clattenburg squared up on the showCredit: BBC
Cheeky Bradley questioned one of the ref’s rulesCredit: BBC
Referee Mark than warned Bradley to stop or else he’d ‘remove him’Credit: BBC
The on-screen fallout occurred after ref Mark told contestant Ella that she was disqualified for breaching a rule in the aftermath of her fight with Gladiator Sabre.
“Yeah sorry Ella,” the ref began. “All your weight, when you lost your balance, your pugil stick went on to the Gladiator’s platform.
“And therefore under the rules I have to disqualify you. Sorry.”
“So that means you will have no points.”
As Ella took in the news, a disgruntled Bradley uttered into the microphone: “I think we’ve got to change that rule. I think we need to speak to the Head of Rules.”
The studio audience appeared to agree with Bradley as they booed the decision, with many seen giving the thumbs down.
Ref Mark then appeared on screen and hit back: “That’s me Bradley.”
“Oh you’re the Head of Rules?” Bradley replied. “You’ve got to change it that’s ridiculous. There is no contest is there.
“You’ve got to find another way to sort it out.”
But the referee was having none of it, who told the host: “Bradley, any more of your cheek and I’ll remove you from the arena.”
Bradley was manhandled by two bodyguards by order of referee MarkCredit: BBC
The host tried to wriggle free as he was escorted out the arenaCredit: BBC
As the crowd started up booing again, Bradley quipped to Gladiator star Sabre: “Right, ask me how much sleep I’m going to lose over that.
“Not even that he said,” he boasted, using his fingers to signify a small amount.
Bradley then went to present the next part of the show but found himself in for a surprise.
Two bodyguards appeared behind him and put their hands on his shoulders escorting him away from the camera, leaving Bradley open-mouthed in shock, as he cried “No, no, no.”
“You’re out,” deemed one bodyguard, as they continued to march Bradley out of the arena, with him trying to wriggle free.
The show then cut to a VT of the next Gladiators fight, with the commentator clearly enjoying Bradley’s “punishment”.
Bradley then introduced the next sparring match via voiceover.
There was drama elsewhere in Saturday night’s episode after paramedics rushed in to treat Gladiators star Bionic.
The towering athlete, 30, hurt his arm during the Hang Tough challenge as he tried tackling contender Finn.
Bionic suffered a nasty injury in Saturday night’s showCredit: BBC
Bionic — real name Matty Campbell — was in visible pain when the injury happened as he hung, wincing, high in the arena.
When he dropped to the crash mat he remained on his back as paramedics and doctors made their way to him.
Meanwhile, Finn showed good sportsmanship by checking on his rival.
Fortunately, Bionic made it out on his feet and raised a fist to the camera, but he did look more reserved than usual.
Saturday night’s episode hit screens at a much later time than billed, after coverage of the FA Cup game between Wrexham and Chelsea ran on.
Gladiators usually airs at 8pm, but didn’t air until 8:40pm as the football match went into extra time.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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