Sunderland manager, David Moyes has come under fire after telling a female reporter that she “might get a slap.”
After a draw with Burnley, BBC reporter, Vicki Sparks asked the manager if the presence of Sunderland’s owner Ellis Short put extra pressure on him.
Moyes initially said “no”, but after the interview added that, “It was getting a wee bit naughty at the end there so just watch yourself.”
“You still might get a slap even though you’re a woman.”
“Careful the next time you come in.”
Moyes has since apologised for his comments, saying, “In the heat of the moment, I made a mistake in my comment to a BBC reporter which I profoundly regret.”
“I was disappointed with myself for it.”
“I subsequently phoned the reporter and apologised, which she accepted.”
“It’s not my character, it’s not my type, as most people know.”
“Once again, I apologised for it.”
“I think people who know me would say what I’m about.”
“In the heat of the moment, I used the wrong words.”
The BBC has also confirmed that both Moyes and Sparks had spoken about the comments and the issue had been resolved.
However, despite the public apology from Moyes, the manager has still faced a huge public backlash. Fans have called for Moyes to resign while the shadow sports minister, Rosena Allin-Khan has called for the FA to take action.
Gary Lineker, former England striker and BBC Match of the Day presenter condemned the behaviour, tweeting, “Moyes incident highlights a tendency for some managers to treat interviewers with utter disdain.”
“Pressured job. Well rewarded. Inexcusable.”
