TalkSport radio host, Alan Brazil, recently stirred up a storm with his controversial comments about women's football. His remarks have left listeners and studio guests in shock, leading to a heated debate about the relevance and importance of women's football among fans.
Alan Brazil, a prominent talkSPORT presenter and former Scottish international player, has been heavily criticized for his dismissive attitude towards women’s football. During an on-air discussion about the future of Manchester United and their journey back to the top of English football, he made some startling claims that have since sparked outrage.
TalkSport radio, host Alan Brazil, said:
“With the greatest respect, when you talk about Manchester United. Women’s football is getting more important now but when you talk about Manchester United, this is the men’s we’re talking about, the Premier League when we’re talking about mission impossible, not the women’s.”
“It isn’t. I’m sorry, people around the world are not bothered. It is true. They’re not [bothered]. Within the bigger picture, they’re not.
The 65-year-old sports pundit claimed that fans ‘aren’t bothered’ about women’s football. This comment was met with disbelief by fellow studio guests who were quick to challenge his views.
Backlash from fellow hosts
Shebahn Aherne was one such guest who disagreed with Brazil's viewpoint. She argued that one of Manchester United’s goals should be improving the trophy-winning credentials of their Red Devils’ women’s team - an idea which did not sit well with Brazil.
In response to being told that fans do indeed care about women’s soccer, he added further fuel to the fire by doubling down on his initial stance. This exchange left fellow host Gabby Agbonlahor wide-mouthed in surprise while Aherne clapped back at him for his comments.
TalkSport radio host, Shebahn Aherne, said:
“Al, stop being like that. You sound like a proper dinosaur this morning. I don’t know why you’re being like that,” to which Brazil replied: “You’re kidding yourself on.”
“That’s unbelievable from you,” Aherne concluded. “You’re the one with the granddaughter playing football, listen to yourself. Right now that’s important.”
Brazil's comments have not only shocked those within the studio but also resonated negatively among sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike. His dismissal of women's football as unimportant has been seen as sexist by many listeners who believe it undermines the progress made in promoting gender equality within sports. His remarks are particularly damaging considering they come from someone so influential within sport broadcasting - potentially influencing public opinion towards women's football.
