LONDON: Jeremy Clarkson, the controversial presenter of hit BBC program “Top Gear,” said he was waiting for his suspension to “blow over” as an online petition for him to be reinstated gathered more than 260,000 signatures.

“I’m having a nice cold pint and waiting for this to blow over,” the 54-year-old, who has been repeatedly criticized for his xenophobic comments, was quoted as saying in The Sun daily’s Wednesday edition.

The BBC said on Tuesday it had suspended Clarkson and canceled upcoming episodes of his immensely popular motoring television program after he was involved in a “fracas” with a producer.

The outspoken presenter has helped “Top Gear” become one of the BBC’s biggest shows, drawing 350 million viewers a week in 170 countries.

The Radio Times magazine said Clarkson, who was already on a final warning over his alleged use of racist language, was accused of aiming a punch at a male producer.

“Following a fracas with a BBC producer, Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended pending an investigation,” the BBC said in a statement.

No sooner had the suspension been announced than fans set up a petition urging the BBC to reinstate Clarkson.

“We the undersigned petition the BBC to reinstate Jeremy Clarkson. Freedom to fracas,” said the online appeal at www.change.org, which had gained over 260,000 signatures by Wednesday morning.

“I’m signing because Clarkson is a superb presenter and Top Gear is without doubt one (of) the BBC’s better programs. The viewing figures support this,” wrote one supporter named Peter Maxwell.