Veteran John has pop at female commentators MOTTY: YOU’VE GOT THE WRONG PITCH, LADIES
LEGENDARY broadcaster John Motson says women commentators do not have the voice for football.
Motty, 73, risked a backlash by claiming female tones can be too high for footie commentary – especially when a goal is scored.
His controversial views come as the number of women pundits and commentators soars. While Jacqui Oatley and Vicki Sparks report from the grounds, others like Alex
Scott and Eniola
Aluko provide punditry in the studio.
Motson said:
“I’m quite happy to accept them, but there’s a certain voice for football.
The lady’s voice is fine in front of a camera – or as pundits in a studio.
“But, when a goal is scored, the voice is something they’ve got to address.”
Motty, above, who covered 10 World Cups and 29 FA Cup finals, called time on his 50-year BBC career at the end of last season. He now commentates for Talksport radio.
Many fans backed him, one saying: “I am a woman and so agree – I hate to hear women commentating on football or any other male-dominated sport – it just doesn’t work, makes me switch off.” Another added: “Motty of course is right. Footie is for the lads. There are plenty of other jobs for women e.g. golf and bowls.”
Motty is not the first to speak out on the issue. Former Chelsea player Jason Cundy was labelled a “sexist pig” by TV’s Piers Morgan for saying women’s voices were too high for commentary. And retired Match Of The Day commentator Barry Davies, 80, said: “They’re a tough listen.
“It is a difficult game for women because they have to be careful of the upper register of their voice.”
This summer, ex-Man United star Patrice Evra was accused of patronising England international Aluko by applauding her punditry during the World Cup.
One viewer said:
“This is an example of women having to outperform men to be considered even close to equal.”
DAILY STAR SUNDAY SAYS – PAGE 6