Pelle Törnbergcould be forgiven forfeeling off-colour. The chief executive of Metro International, self-proclaimed publisher of the world's fastest-growing newspaper, found himself at the centre of a media storm last week over alleged racism at the Swedish group.

Hans-Holger Albrecht, a Metro board member and chief executive of Sweden's MTG, one of its largest shareholders, resigned over racist comments made in a speech almost two years ago. Steve Nylund, president of Metro's US operations, also left his post over separate racist allegations, but he remains with the company.