Nick Kyrgios sparks racism row after encouraging fans to smear faces in Vegemite

The Australian tennis star's extraordinary showing at Wimbledon this year has seen him delight fans with some superb tennis, but also shock them with his filthy language, antics and open disrespect of match officials, opponents and even the game of tennis itself.

However, he crashed out in disappointing fashion in the fourth round to Richard Gasquet 7-5 6-1 6-7 7-6 on Monday, with the 20-year-old appearing to throw a game during a one-sided second set.

[BLOG: Nick Kyrgios a character? Maybe, but he's also a pain in the backside]

At the weekend, his antics sparked fresh controversy, this time on social media when Kyrgios was sent the following message by fan Mitchell McConachy.

"If you reply to this I'll cover my face in Vegemite," came the question. Kyrgios did respond, and McConachy sent the promised photo, to which Kyrgios replied again:

"This is so awesome - thanks so much for the support dude... Doesn't get more Australian than support of your locals and a face full of Vegemite."

More people then began joining in. Some used Nutella and in another picture an entire Family took part.

But the reaction on social media said it all: regardless of Kyrgios's innocent intentions, many have taken offence at fans 'blacking up' their faces in this manner.