Ex-chelsea player apologises for saying female commentators are a ‘tough listen’
Formerchelseadefenderjason Cundy has issued an apology after insisting women should not commentate on football matches because their voices are too high-pitched.
Cundy came in for fierce criticism after making the claim on ITV’S Good Morning Britain. The programme’s co-host Piers Morgan branded Cundy a “sexist pig” for his opinion.
Vicki Sparks became the first female commentator for a live World Cup match when she presented Portugal’s clash against Morocco for the BBC in Moscow last Wednesday.
Cundy told the programme: “I found it a tough listen. I prefer to hear a male voice. For 90 minutes listening to a high-pitched tone isn’t what I want to hear. When there’s a moment of drama, which there often is in football, I think that moment needs to be done with a slightly lower voice.”
But last night Cundy posted an apology on social media. “I want to sincerely apologise for the comments I made on Good Morning Britain,” he tweeted.
“I came away realising 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 – and this is definitely one of those times. I regret the comments and also 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.”
ITV reporter and presenter Jacqui Oakley was one of many to criticise Cundy yesterday morning. She said on Twitter: “Frustrating that this ‘female commentator’ debate is still such an issue, 11 years after my first Motd game and 8 years after I did 7 live World Cup commentaries on 5 Live.
“Voice/style preference is always subjective – to say it ‘shouldn’t be allowed’ says more about the critic.”
Sparks was at the centre of a storm last year when David Moyes, the then Sunderland boss, told her that her interviewquestionshadbeen“awee bit naughty at the end there so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap, even though you’re a woman.” Moyes was fined £30,000 by the FA.