Damon Albarn calls Jeremy Clarkson a 'f***ing arsehole'

Damon Albarn has apologised to the country of Argentina for the actions of Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson, calling him a "fucking arsehole".

As the Independent reports, the Blur frontman, who is shortlisted for this year's Mercury Music Prize, made the comments during a gig at the Teatro Gran Rex venue in Buenos Aires.

"I want to really apologise for the behaviour of a guy called Jeremy Clarkson who does a programme called Top Gear," Albarn told the crowd before declaring "He’s a fucking arsehole."

Clarkson recently had to flee the country, along with the rest of the Top Gear team, after driving a car with a 'H982 FKL' numberplate thought to reference the Falkland's War. Clarkson himself said it was a remarkable coincidence.

Clarkson wrote a full account for the Sunday Times and posted a series of tweets clarifying newspaper reports that it was not "a jolly jape that went awry". 

This is my car on its last day in Argentina. Note the plates that everyone says caused offence. pic.twitter.com/mCfncbMa6F

Damon Albarn is amongst this year's 12 Mercury Prize nominees for his debut solo album Everyday Robots. The final winner will be announced at the London Roundhouse on 29 October.