David Moyes today finds himself in a firestorm following the publication of his off-air comments to the BBC's Vicki Sparks. After Sparks had finished her questioning, Moyes said the following to her:
It was 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.
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, the shadow Sports Minister, tweeted a video of the incident, saying that his actions were "disgraceful" and urged the FA to take action against "these sexist threats".
This is disgraceful. David Moyes cannot get away with these sexist threats - the @FA must take action immediately. pic.twitter.com/kcMSQFmI7g
— Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (@DrRosena) April 3, 2017
Moyes has been heavily criticised for his comments, and issued an apology at a press conference earlier today.
Sunderland are not going to take any further action against their manager, with the FA seeking observations from the club before they take any further action.
Speaking about the incident on RTE 2FM's Game On, Eamon Dunphy said that Moyes' remarks were "a bit of banter banter", citing the phrase as an example of Glasgow street slang.
I think you have to take into account David Moyes’ character and I think he is a real decent guy. I think that was a bit of banter. I think there was humour, not anger in his voice.
[He's] Always has been [a decent guy]. Even in adversity such as his seven month spell at Manchester United when he was thrown out.
That thing about giving a woman a slap is kind of Glasgow street slang really. If it was said in a formal setting in a press conference or in any formal way, I think it would be far more serious.
Dunphy said that the issue of violence against women should never be allowed to pass unchecked, but believes that Moyes' character should absolve him from any further sanction, adding that Moyes is "not Donald Trump".
I don’t think we can be sanguine about anything that hints at domestic violence, or any kind of violence against women.
It’s very, very serious, but I would factor in David Moyes’ character. There was a little chuckle at the end of it and the lady accepted his apology. All things considered, I would say, ‘okay, it’s noted and it’s over’. It may have been a joke and I think it was.
He’s not Donald Trump, he’s been around a long time in football and he’s a man that everyone respects.
Outrage is easy to fake. To voice outrage is to be on the safe side. I think you should always take all the circumstances into account and say what you believe. I don’t think he deserves any sanction, other than the one he is probably giving himself.
You can listen to the full interview on the 2FM website.
