A Saudi news anchor sparked controversy on social media over the weekend for mispronouncing Germany's "Hamburg".

The anchor, identified as Mohammad Al Dhiyabi, not only called the city "hamburger," but also mistook it as the country's capital. 

The whole thing happened live on air during Saudi Arabia’s national television coverage of the G20 summit on Friday.  

"Thank you for speaking to us from the German capital, Hamburger.”

People react on social media

Minutes after the broadcast ended, a video of the gaffe began making the rounds on social media with thousands taking to the platforms to share their thoughts.

While a few found it hilarious and shared sarcastic comments, others thought the whole thing was blown out of proportion.  

Some turned to sarcasm

"Stop overreacting. It's a simple matter, he only added one letter to the word."

Others just couldn't even

The only right answer to: "What's the capital of Germany?"

"Thanks for correcting our information"

Hamburg is the typo now

Some thought the whole thing was way too much

"It's an honest mistake that anyone could make. People shouldn't be reacting like this. We all make mistakes." 

Others supported Dhiyabi

"People are making fun of the man and even insulting him. This is just too much." 

"We all make mistakes."

Saudi's Minister of Information responds

Initial reports stated that the Saudi Information Minister Awwad Al Awwad ordered the suspension of Al Dhiyabi. 

However, the Minister himself denied these claims via Twitter on Saturday. 

"I am terribly upset by the social media campaign launched against our colleague Mohammad Al Dhiyabi. I stand by him and thank him for all his efforts," he wrote. 

"All rumors stating that he was suspended are untrue," he added. 

Speaking to Al Hayat newspaper, Dhiyabi thanked the Minister for his support and apologized for what he described as an "unfortunate mistake."