MOYES IN SLAP RAP

FA set to hit ‘bully’ boss

DAVID MOYES faces an FA probe over the bullying row that has seen him face calls for his head.

The under-fire Sunderland boss insists he won’t quit after threatening to slap a female reporter, as revealed in yesterday’s Daily Star.

Moyes (left) has apologised after confronting the BBC’s Vicki Sparks when he took exception to her line of questioning following the draw against Burnley last month.

But the 53-year-old Scot is facing a big fine and possible touchline ban if, as expected, he is hit with a disrepute charge. An FA spokesman said: “We are

seeking observations from the club.”

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker labelled his threat “inexcusable” and Shadow Sports Minister Rosena Allin-Khan joined domestic abuse charities in urging the game’s governing body to act.

There was no official complaint from Sparks, and Moyes is confident of keeping his job after the Black Cats took no action when he told owner Ellis Short and chief executive Martin Bain of the incident two weeks ago.

Moyes insists his apology was accepted and he is keen to move on – despite leaving himself open to further criticism for referring to Radio 5Live and BBC Newcastle reporter Sparks as a “girl”.

The former Manchester United boss said: “I deeply regret the comment. It’s not the person I am.

“But I have never considered resigning. It was heat of the moment.

“The business we’re in, sometimes you only have seconds to answer and it was the wrong thing to do.

Aware

“I don’t see it as being something which is in my character. I’ve apologised to the girl. She was fine, she accepted it.

“I spoke to Martin Bain immediately after it happened and I spoke to Ellis about it on the Monday morning as well.

“They were aware of it two weeks ago. Do I think it will cost me my job? No.”

Moyes insists he has the support of his wife and daughter, and pointed to his long track record of supporting women’s football, as he battles to keep his job.

Sunderland’s women’s team reverted to part-time status after being hit by recent funding cuts, but Moyes added: “If you look at my history, I have actually been one of the biggest ones campaigning for women’s football.

“I tried to make sure we had Everton Ladies. At Manchester United, I was also very keen on them having one.

“My daughter played for Preston until she was 19.”