Outspoken TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson was today at the centre of a racism row after he allegedly made "bigoted" comments at the Motor Show in Birmingham.

He is accused of making remarks to visitors at BBC's Top Gear stand that staff on the nearby Hyundai stall for the Korean-based firm had all eaten dog.

The pundit, who lives in Chipping Norton, also allegedly said that one of the company's designers, responsible for one of Hyundai's new models, had probably eaten a spaniel.

Stephen Kitson, public relations manager for Hyundai UK, said a letter of complaint had been sent to the BBC.

Mr Kitson said: "What was reported back to me was that he said the people on the Hyundai stand had eaten dog, as the company is Korean, and that the designer of one of our cars, the XG, had probably eaten a spaniel for lunch."

Mr Kitson added Hyundai UK operated independently under a franchise from Hyundai importing and distributing their cars in the UK. "Our people on the stand, which is right next to Top Gear's, are offended by these comments. We feel the comments are unnecessary. They are bigoted and racist and deliberately vindictive."

Mr Clarkson also angered radio listeners by saying all scooter riders are gay.

He made the remarks when asked by Yorkshire's Galaxy 105 if scooters were better than cars when in a city.

Mr Clarkson replied: "No, no, scooters are for homosexuals."

Listeners and gay rights leaders blasted his remarks.

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