Sunderland manager Moyes says he regrets ‘slap’ remark
Sunderland manager David Moyes “deeply regrets” telling a female BBC reporter she might get a slap.
The Scottish coach was being interviewed by Vicki Sparks after a Premier League match against Burnley on March 18 when he says: “You were just 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.” 22 but has not played for United since the draw with Bournemouth 18 days earlier.
United is in fifth place in the Premier League, five points behind fourth-place Manchester City in the final Champions League qualification spot.
Everton visits Old Trafford today with United having top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Ander Herrera available again after suspension.
Record signing Paul Pogba, who has been absent for the last two games because of a hamstring injury, could be fit to return, but Juan Mata and defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling remain sidelined.
“I go with mathematics,” Mourinho said. “Until it’s mathematically impossible, we keep trying and, because this week is a week
Moyes and Sparks were laughing during the exchange and the reporter did not make a complaint.
“It was in the heat of the moment,” Moyes said yesterday in a statement after British newspaper the Daily Star published video of the exchange. “I deeply regret the comments I made. It’s not the person I am.
“I accept it was a mistake. I spoke to the BBC reporter who accepted without the Europa League, we have nothing to think about Europe so this week is easy from the focus point of view.”
Here are some other things to look out for in this week’s games.
TITLE RACE
After a surprising 2-1 home loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday, Chelsea’s lead over Tottenham is down to seven points.
It was Chelsea’s first defeat in three months and only its fourth in the league this season. The Blues need 21 points to be certain of the title but there is no panic from manager Antonio Conte.
“This league wasn’t finished before Saturday’s game and it is not finished now,” the Italian said. my apology. Sunderland have known about it for two weeks. Sometimes these things happen in the heat of the moment.”
Sunderland said the matter was resolved amicably.
“Mr. Moyes has apologised to our reporter and she has accepted his apology,” the BBC said in a statement.
Moyes, however, was criticised by British shadow sports minister
The programme
Today Burnley-Stoke City Leicester City- Sunderland Watford-West Bromwich Manchester United-Everton Tomorrow Arsenal-West Ham Hull City-Middlesbrough Southampton-Crystal Palace Swansea City-Tottenham H Chelsea-Manchester City Liverpool-Bournemouth
On TV today
Football 9pm, GO Sports 2, English Premier League, Man United-Everton (live) 10.45pm, GO Sports 1, English Premier League, Watford-West Bromwich Albion (delayed) 10.45pm, GO Sports 3, English Premier League, Leicester C.-Sunderland (delayed) 11pm, GO Sports 2, English Premier League, Burnley-Stoke C. (delayed) Rosena Allin-Khan, who called on the English Football Association to take action.
“This is disgraceful. David Moyes cannot get away with these sexist threats - the FA must take action immediately,” Allin-Khan wrote on Twitter.
Sunderland, which is in last place in the Premier League and eight points adrift of safety, plays at Leicester today.