Dutch reporter apologises after insulting Jarrad Branthwaite's hometown of Carlisle during interview

Jarrad Branthwaite stuck up for his Cumbrian roots when a Dutch reporter 'jokingly' asked if it was a punishment to play for League Two outfit Carlisle.

The 20-year-old defender grew up in the market town of Wigton, which is around a 25-minute drive away from Brunton Park – the home of Carlisle United.

He graduated from the Blues academy in 2018 and after a breakthrough campaign in League Two, he penned a two-year deal with Premier League side Everton.

Branthwaite, who has since made 10 appearances for the Toffees, was loaned out to Blackburn in 2021. But his best spell away from Goodison Park has been with Eredivisie outfit PSV Eindhoven.

The centre-back has played a key role for Ruud van Nistelrooy's side this season, featuring in 18 games in all competitions.

And on Wednesday night, he was deservedly named Man of the Match after scoring two goals in their 3-1 win over FC Emmen in the KNVB Cup.

After the full-time whistle, Branthwaite spoke to ESPN reporter Hans Kraay Junior, who hilariously put his foot in it when the subject of Carlisle United emerged.

You can see that slightly awkward, but funny, post-match interview below.

Hans Kraay Junior begins by telling the young defender that he hasn't scored many goals in his career to date. Then, after a little chuckle, the reporter points out that he played for Carlisle.

"I've been there once with Brighton," he said. "Then I phoned my mum. I said, 'Mum I'm there.' She said where? I said, 'I’m at the bloody end of the world.' Is it a punishment to play there?”

Branthwaite, who appeared to take the comments in good faith, burst out laughing before saying: "For me, no. It's my hometown. It was good there."

The Dutch reporter then apologises. "Sorry about that!"

Here's how fans reacted to the clip on social media.

One commented: "I used to live in Carlisle and I can confirm that it is at the bloody end of the world," while another wrote: "I won’t have Carlisle slander on my timeline, great place with great people."

A third said: "This is priceless."

PSV manager and former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is a huge fan of the Cumbrian centre-back.

After the full-time whistle on Wednesday night, he said: "We would like [to keep him beyond this season]. He is a great talent. The boy is 20, but he has a future. He is good on the ball, can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed. He has height and speed, so he is very complete."

Branthwaite is said to be attracting interest from a number of top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool.