Sunderland boss David Moyes says he "deeply regrets" telling a BBC reporter she might "get a slap".

After a draw with Burnley on 18 March, Moyes was asked by Vicki Sparks if the presence of owner Ellis Short put extra pressure on him.Someone losing the plot, I can't imagine he'll be there long now, with the way Sunderland have performed AND the short shelf life of managers there
He said "no" but, after the interview, added Sparks "might get a slap even though you're a woman" and told her to be "careful" next time she visited.
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Basically... Dont ask whatever you feel like asking... Respect the person your Interviewing and they'll respect you1
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Disgusting comment, women was doing her job. Forget the fact that this was a women Moyes should not be making them sort of comments full stop.4
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It's gonna snowball!!0
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Lost his temper and said something he shouldn't of but hardly as bad as its gonna be made out to be.6
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Wait, what? He threatened to slap a woman, and her gender is important given he noted it (and how prevalent crime committed by men against women is). I don't care what your job is or what the medium is, he should be sacked immediately. He was at work. He was representing his football club/employer to the media. This is not acceptable work behavior.
Also, he's an absolutely miserable person, and I was surprised to learn he was still in a job.10 -
"Both Moyes and Sparks were laughing during the exchange and the former Everton and Manchester United manager later apologised to Sparks, who did not make a complaint."
How is this considered newsworthy? Premier League Manager and sports reporter have a conversation and exchange a bit of banter. No complaints are made and they part on friendly terms. And he's subsequently apologised to her (before the "event" was in the public domain), and she accepted that apology.
Dunno who leaked it, but shadow sports minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan has clearly seen it as a great opportunity to raise her profile and has stuck her beak right in.
Rosena, why don't you stop wasting your tax payer-funded time on nonsense like this and consider taking an interest in the increasing number of football institutions across the country that are being mismanaged to the brink of extinction as a consequence of the total lack of regulatory oversight of football club ownership?
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This puts Sunderland in a very tricky position, I think. Especially given the criticism they received over failing to sack Adam Johnson. The actions of the two employees are incomparable, of course. But they'll be pressured into doing something. But many employers would react to a key, senior employee being filmed threatening to slap a female reporter by giving them the tin tack.1
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So my earlier post was perhaps a bit too stern. It was early and I hadn't had my cuppa yet, and I'm right cranky when I haven't had any caffeine in the morning. I'm sure I'll wrack up the "LOLZ" from the #Banter #LadsLadsLads #BantersaurusRex #Banterrific #Banterful crew as a result* (do I regret spending five minutes Googling synonyms for "#Banter?" no I do not, I only regret that I didn't get any better ones).Chizz said:This puts Sunderland in a very tricky position, I think. Especially given the criticism they received over failing to sack Adam Johnson. The actions of the two employees are incomparable, of course. But they'll be pressured into doing something. But many employers would react to a key, senior employee being filmed threatening to slap a female reporter by giving them the tin tack.
But Chizz, I think you bring up the crux of the issue, which is a senior employee threatened to slap a woman. I'm not someone who thinks footballers should be treated as though they have "normal" jobs, because their jobs are unique. And I come from work cultures with a very liberal approach to what is said. But if I were in senior management of Sunderland, I would look at that and just wonder "Why did you think that was okay? What were you thinking?" I'd probably hear Moyes out before sacking him though.
*That's all meant to be very tongue-in-cheek. Obviously you can "Lol" my posts if you like, and I just thought I'd have some fun with #Banter because I'm sitting through boring CBTs and I needed something to do to amuse myself.4 - Sponsored links:
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This, both Moyes and the reporter were seen to be laughing after it happend and she never made a complaint.ValleyGary said:Lost his temper and said something he shouldn't of but hardly as bad as its gonna be made out to be.
People being offended on other peoples behalf....................again.
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Don't think anyone has said they're offended. It's more a case of "does this represent a business well?"eaststandmike said:
This, both Moyes and the reporter were sen to be laughing after it happend and she never made a complaint.ValleyGary said:Lost his temper and said something he shouldn't of but hardly as bad as its gonna be made out to be.
People being offended on other peoples behalf....................again.0 -
I was not referring to people on here however the shadow sports minister is.SDAddick said:
Don't think anyone has said they're offended. It's more a case of "does this represent a business well?"eaststandmike said:
This, both Moyes and the reporter were sen to be laughing after it happend and she never made a complaint.ValleyGary said:Lost his temper and said something he shouldn't of but hardly as bad as its gonna be made out to be.
People being offended on other peoples behalf....................again.2 -
Apparently she accepted his apologies and from that video it looks like hearted but now the press have gotten hold of the story he can say good bye to his job.2
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Or an industry.SDAddick said:
Don't think anyone has said they're offended. It's more a case of "does this represent a business well?"eaststandmike said:
This, both Moyes and the reporter were sen to be laughing after it happend and she never made a complaint.ValleyGary said:Lost his temper and said something he shouldn't of but hardly as bad as its gonna be made out to be.
People being offended on other peoples behalf....................again.1 -
Ah fair dos, cheers for clarifying. I'm not aware of the Shadow Sports Minister's reaction, or even who the Shadow Sports Minister is.eaststandmike said:
I was not referring to people on here however the shadow sports minister is.SDAddick said:
Don't think anyone has said they're offended. It's more a case of "does this represent a business well?"eaststandmike said:
This, both Moyes and the reporter were sen to be laughing after it happend and she never made a complaint.ValleyGary said:Lost his temper and said something he shouldn't of but hardly as bad as its gonna be made out to be.
People being offended on other peoples behalf....................again.0 -
Moyes looks scary to me. Those mad dog eyes especially. Then I hear him in interviews and think, he's quite a nice chap. Then I heard him on a Danny Baker show and thought, he's a bloody nice chap. I really warmed to him. I really hope he doesn't get chewed up over this one.0
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SlappinBants.0
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Greenie said:
bitchSlappinBants.
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In the context, was it threatening? It very much sounds like it was said and received in a jokey way. At its worst it is ill-advised and as you say, with history of backing the wrong side in a far, far worse scenario perhaps Sunderland will feel the need to take action.Chizz said:This puts Sunderland in a very tricky position, I think. Especially given the criticism they received over failing to sack Adam Johnson. The actions of the two employees are incomparable, of course. But they'll be pressured into doing something. But many employers would react to a key, senior employee being filmed threatening to slap a female reporter by giving them the tin tack.
A shame really, but utterly predictable of our over-hysteric press and politicians that this is being scrutinised so heavily.1 - Sponsored links:
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People might as well give up speaking. Someone, somewhere will find something to get offended by. Minge.12
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I don't think most of these situations are even related to someone being offended or outraged. They're click-worthy and once a website knows that, they'll milk it until its dry.4
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She said "This is disgraceful. David Moyes cannot get away with these sexist threats - the FA must take action immediately".SDAddick said:
Ah fair dos, cheers for clarifying. I'm not aware of the Shadow Sports Minister's reaction, or even who the Shadow Sports Minister is.eaststandmike said:
I was not referring to people on here however the shadow sports minister is.SDAddick said:
Don't think anyone has said they're offended. It's more a case of "does this represent a business well?"eaststandmike said:
This, both Moyes and the reporter were sen to be laughing after it happend and she never made a complaint.ValleyGary said:Lost his temper and said something he shouldn't of but hardly as bad as its gonna be made out to be.
People being offended on other peoples behalf....................again.
For me, referring to the exchange as 'sexist threats' makes it sound a lot worse than it was.4 -
As National Arbiter for Sexism I find David Moyes NOT GUILTY of first-degree sexism, but GUILTY of being a crap manager6
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There must be a Society out there somewhere who can take mild offence at Moyes' comments.1
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Leaving aside the slap comment, which was clearly ill judged, that's also another example of a manager being upset by perfectly legitimate questions from a reporter.
You're 20th Moyes, and in no position to get high and mighty...0 -
Unbelieveable. Has everyone actually listened to what he said, as opposed to read it ?
He was joking and laughing when he said it.
Ok, in the age of offense, it was an ill advised joke. Just as you possibly shouldn't make a joke at a job interview or in court or at an airport, but none the less, he was clearly joking.
Too many people these days appear to have a severe lack of understanding humour.15 -
This. Can't believe the first half of comments on this thread. Obviously didn't watch the video. No malice in his voice at all.Covered End said:Unbelieveable. Has everyone actually listened to what he said, as opposed to read it ?
He was joking and laughing when he said it.1 -
We SJWs need to pick our battles wisely. Still dicing with piling in on that golf penalty thread for hitting the swimwear pic 'jackpot' within two pages2
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He's making a point of treating her in the same way he would treat a male reporter. This is third wave feminism in action and I applaud his progressive stance.SDAddick said:Wait, what? He threatened to slap a woman, and her gender is important given he noted it (and how prevalent crime committed by men against women is). I don't care what your job is or what the medium is, he should be sacked immediately. He was at work. He was representing his football club/employer to the media. This is not acceptable work behavior.
Also, he's an absolutely miserable person, and I was surprised to learn he was still in a job.5