Ada Hegerberg: Andy Murray hits out at 'unreal' sexism after Martin Solveig asks Ballon d'Or winner 'do you twerk?'

Solveig was forced to apologise on Monday evening after he asked the winner of the women's award if she knew how to twerk

Tennis star Andy Murray has once again spoken out against the "ridiculous" and "unreal" level of sexism in top level sport in the wake of the Ada Hegerberg controversy.

DJ Martin Solveig, co-host of the Ballon d'Or award ceremony, was forced to apologise on Monday evening after he asked the winner of the women's award, Hegerberg, if she knew how to twerk at the event in Paris.

The 23-year-old Lyon striker was announced as the first ever winner of the women's Ballon d'Or by former France international David Ginola and gave an empowering speech to encourage more girls to play football.

However, as the Norway international was leaving the stage, French DJ Solveig asked her if she could twerk, but the three-time women's Champions League winner abruptly said "no" before walking away.

Taking to Instagram Murray, who has been an outspoken advocate of feminism both in and outside the world of sport, said: "Another example of the ridiculous sexism that still exists in sport.

"Why do women still have to up with that shit? What questions did they ask Mbappe and Modric? I'd imagine something to do with football.

"And to everyone who thinks people are overreacting and it was just a joke... it wasn't. I've been involved in sport my whole life and the level of sexism is unreal".

After the event, Hegerberg said that she had accepted an apology from Solveig.

"He came to me afterwards and was really sad that it went that way. I didn't really think about it at the time to be honest.

"I didn't really consider it as sexual harassment or anything in the moment. I was just happy to do the dance and win the Ballon d'Or to be honest."

Solveig was quick to apologise after his actions provoked furious criticism on social media.

Accompanied by a video apologising further to Hegerberg, Solveig wrote on Twitter: "Sincere apologies to the one I may have offended.

(Andy Murray / Instagram (Andy Murray / Instagram)

(Andy Murray / Instagram (Andy Murray / Instagram)

"My point was: I don't invite women to twerk but dance on a Sinatra song. Watch the full sequence.

"People who have followed me for 20 years know how respectful I am especially with women."

Solveig confirmed that he spoke to Hegerberg after the ceremony.

He posted a picture of the pair embracing and wrote: "I explained to AdaStolsmo the buzz and she told me she understood it was a joke.

"Nevertheless my apologies to anyone who may have been offended. Most importantly congratulations to Ada."