Women’s voices ‘too high’ for commentating
WOMEN are unsuited to commentate on football matches because their voices are too high, a former Chelsea footballer has claimed, reigniting a debate about sexism in the sport.
Jason Cundy said moments of drama in big games require a lower tone of voice. He was talking about Vicki Sparks, a BBC journalist who became the first woman to commentate live on a televised World Cup match in the UK, for the Portugal v Morocco game last week.
Cundy, a presenter for Talksport radio, said: “It’s nothing to do with her insight, her knowledge, or her ability. It’s the voice. I prefer to hear a male voice – 90 minutes of hearing a highpitched tone isn’t what I would like to hear, and when there is a moment of drama, that actually needs to be done with a slightly lower voice.”
He was speaking on Good Morning Britain to Piers Morgan, who branded him a “sexist pig”.
Jacqui Oatley, part of ITV’S World Cup team, also criticised the former player, tweeting: “Frustrating that this ‘female commentator’ debate is still such an issue, 11 years after my first [Match of the Day] game and 8 years after I did 7 live World Cup commentaries on 5 Live.
“Voice/style preference is subjective, to say it ‘shouldn’t be allowed’ says more about the critic. Still feel we’ve made progress. Dinosaur dissenters are in the minority.”
Last night Cundy apologised, saying: “I want to sincerely apologise for the comments on Good Morning Britain. I realised just how foolish and out of order they were and how I deserved the backlash I have received.
“There are times when you have to hold your hands up and admit you are wrong and have been an idiot.
“This is definitely one of those times. I regret the comments and the hurt and anger they caused.
“I realise there is absolutely no place for these demeaning attitudes towards female commentators and I’m truly sorry.”