Love Island's Sherif reveals reason he was kicked off and claims 'unconscious racism' led to decision

Sudden exit of the 20-year-old caused widespread speculation among viewers

Former Love Island contestant Sherif Lanre has claimed that he was kicked off the show for accidentally kicking fellow islander Molly-Mae Hague in the groin area during a playfight, then joking about it using expletives, including the offensive slang-term "c***-punt".

It was announced on Tuesday 12 June that he had left the competition, with both him and the programme just saying it was because he had broken the rules of the show.

His sudden exit sparked widespread speculation over the possible reason, with guesses ranging from inappropriate behaviour with another contestant or fighting on the set.

However, the 20-year-old told the Sun on Sunday that he kicked Molly-Mae by mistake. He claims he was woken up the following day and told to go to the beach hut, where he was informed he would be leaving the show.

“I've never used the word before and I don't know where it came from. I think I have heard other people saying it and it just popped out,” he said.

“But I realise it can be offensive and, as someone that was raised by a strong and loving mother, I want to say that I would never intentionally harm a woman.

“I know I have been stupid and let myself down, but I was not being malicious. This has been blown out of all proportion and I have been made to look like a terrible person when I am not.”

Love Island said in a statement: “Sherif fully accepted and agreed that he broke the rules and that he should leave.

“We have a duty of care towards all of the islanders and as such we would not make public the details of the breach of code.”

However, Sherif said in the interview that he believes what happened was "unconscious racism".

“I was the only black man in the villa and I was kicked out after ten days," he said. “In my opinion, what happened was unconscious racism. There was, I felt, sexism. I feel I wouldn’t have been given that red card if I was a white woman.”

"We would strongly refute any accusation of racism," a spokesperson for the show told The Independent. "All of the Islanders are treated fairly and in accordance with our duty of care."

Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.