Karl Stefanovic, the host of Channel Nine’s Today Show, has put his foot in it again with an ill-advised joke about a group of Indian men.

Stefanovic and co-host were speaking to some Indian cricket fans who were gathering outside the SCG on Thursday ahead of Australia’s World Cup semi-final against India.

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“I was just gonna ask … Who’s going to be manning 7-Elevens today?” Stefanovic joked to the men during the cross.

One of the men recovered quickly from the risque jibe, responding with, “I’m not sure about who’s going to be manning 7-Elevens but you might have to look at Centrelink as well I think Karl”.

Stefanovic burst into laughter, saying, “you beauty”.

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The exchange has divided social media, with some users dismissing the incident as a harmless joke, while others accuse Stefanovic of being racist.

For crying out loud @karlstefanovic does everyone have to be reduced to a stereotype in Australia?http://t.co/nA1yWnD1Cr

— Larry Schlesinger (@larryschles) March 25, 2015

@theheraldsun Everyone’s wanted to say it for years. Add taxis to the list. (All in good humour)

— Tom Notch (@TomNotch) March 25, 2015