Sports writers organisation apologises after ‘sexist, racist and homophobic’ speech at awards event
AN organisation representing sports writers in Scotland has apologised after a speech at an awards event sparked a walkout.
TV presenter Eilidh Barbour was among guests who left the Scottish Football
Writers’ Association (SFWA) gala dinner in Glasgow on Sunday in protest over a series of remarks that have been described as “sexist, racist and homophobic”.
Ms Barbour, who works for the BBC and Sky Sports, tweeted that she had “never felt so unwelcome in the industry”.
Yesterday the SFWA said it apologised to anyone “offended or upset” by the speech.
The organisation also promised to review and improve the format of the annual dinner, which involves the presentation of awards including player and manager of the year.
The controversy centred on jokes made in a speech by a Bill Copeland, a lawyer who works professionally on the afterdinner speaking circuit.
Mr Copeland has since been removed from the roster of talent agency XSP Entertainments.
Ms Barbour was among two tables of guests who said they were so offended by the remarks that they walked out of the event in protest.
Journalist and author Gabriella Bennett, who was at one of the tables, told the BBC the speech was “rammed with sexist jokes”.
She told the broadcaster that she had heard misogynistic comments at previous SFWA events, but that Sunday’s speech was “the next level”.
She said finally decided to leave after hearing an “offensive racial slur”.
Former Scotland international Leanne Crichton, who also attended the dinner, said she left the event feeling “disheartened”.
Aileen Campbell, chief executive of Scottish Women’s Football, said the incident was disappointing but said the general direction of travel in the game was positive.
She said: “You think what a shame – we make great strides and then fall back a few paces as well.
“For me, it’s as Leanne said – people are empowered enough now to call it out. We don’t want to tolerate misogyny, nor should we.”
Kick It Out, a campaign against racism in football, and Scottish Women’s Football issued a joint statement condemning the remarks at the dinner as “sexist, racist and homophobic”.
It said: “Woman face sexism and misogyny in society and this is often exacerbated when they play a role in football or other sports - whether they’re a player, a pundit or fan. That must change.
“Racism and homophobia continue to be a stain on the game, and we must continue to challenge it and eradicate it.”
A statement by SFWA said: “The Scottish Football Writers’ Association apologises to anyone offended or upset by material from one of our after-dinner speakers at last night’s annual awards dinner.
“We have agreed unanimously that this will act as a catalyst to review and improve the format of our future events to make it an enjoyable and inspirational event for all.”
The SFWA was formed more than 60 years ago to look after the interests of professional football writers in Scotland.
Sunday’s event saw Hearts keeper Craig Gordon named player of the year and Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou manager of the year, while Manchester City’s Caroline Weir was winner of the inaugural women’s international player of the year.