FA probe slap-row Moyes
FA PROBE AS CRITICS PUT THE BOOT IN
DAVID Moyes was facing an FA rap last night after warning a female Match Of The Day reporter that she “might get a slap”.
The Sunderland boss has said sorry – but former players and fans lined up to stick the boot in.
FOOTBALL boss David Moyes has apologised over his threat to slap a female reporter.
The Sunderland manager admitted he “made a mistake” and “deeply regrets” the incident.
But the Football Association has launched an investigation.
Moyes was speaking to BBC Match Of The Day reporter Vicki Sparks after his side’s 0-0 draw against Burnley last month.
Shadow Sports Minister Dr Rosena AllinKhan said: “He wouldn’t have said that to a male reporter.
“I think the comments and his behaviour and attitude was sexist.”
Branded
Match Of The Day presenter and ex-England striker Gary Lineker branded the manager’s remarks “inexcusable”.
He said: “Moyes incident highlights a tendency for some managers to treat interviewers with utter disdain. Pressured job. Well rewarded. Inexcusable.’’
Clare Phillipson, director of domestic abuse charity Wearside Women In Need, added: “I had to watch it again because I could not actually believe what Moyes was saying. It is wholly unacceptable.
“It paints the city and football in a bad light and I think men who follow Sunderland will be thoroughly disheartened by the comments made.”
A spokesman for Women In Football said the organisation was “deeply disappointed and concerned by the threatening language” used by Moyes.
She added: “We are calling on the FA to help educate football managers against this type of behaviour.’’
In yesterday’s news conference Moyes said he had phoned Vicki personally to apologise.
He added: “I deeply regret the comments I made. It was in the heat of the moment. It’s not the person I am. I accept it was a mistake. I spoke to the BBC reporter who accepted my apology.
“Sunderland have known about it for two weeks. Sometimes these things happen in the heat of the moment.’’
“If you look at my character and personality it can’t be further from the truth.”
The BBC confirmed Moyes and Vicki had spoken about the exchange and the issue had been resolved.
A spokesman said: “Mr Moyes has apologised to our reporter and she has accepted his apology.’’
Sunderland latest: Star Sport