Exclusive

'I'd love one of my daughters to be a commentator': Rishi Sunak weighs in after abuse of female sport pundits

19 January 2024, 11:38 | Updated: 19 January 2024, 12:42

Rishi Sunak suggested it is "completely ridiculous" to exclude women from football punditry
Rishi Sunak suggested it is "completely ridiculous" to exclude women from football punditry. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

Rishi Sunak has weighed in on the female sports pundit row, saying he would "love" one of his daughters to become a commentator.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Speaking to LBC, Mr Sunak said it is "completely ridiculous" to exclude women from football punditry.

It comes after Joey Barton sparked outrage by posting a string of derogatory and misogynistic comments on Twitter.

He claimed female football commentators should not be talking "with any kind of authority" about the men's game.

But Mr Sunak argued that the profession should be "open to everybody".

"I listen to all sorts of conversations and they're all great. It shouldn't really matter really, quite frankly," the PM said.

"I mean, what we care about is the quality of the commentating and... I don't get to watch or listen to as much football as I'd like... but obviously, that's completely ridiculous."

Read more: Eni Aluko flees the country after being left 'scared for safety' following Joey Barton abuse
Read more:
Minister vows to act over ex-footballer Joey Barton’s social media rants about soccer pundits

Rishi Sunak talks with players and staff during a visit to Eastleigh FC at Silverlake Stadium
Rishi Sunak talks with players and staff during a visit to Eastleigh FC at Silverlake Stadium. Picture: Alamy

Mr Sunak continued: "I have two young girls and I'd love it if one of them wanted to be a football commentator when they grew up but I sadly think that it's unlikely to happen.

"I've failed to get them into it and support Saints the way I do, but there you go.

"But yeah, of course it should be open to everybody."

Sports minister Stuart Andrew has also previously condemned "dangerous" comments in regard to women football pundits.

In a series of social media posts, Barton initially said: “Women shouldn’t be talking with any kind of authority in the men’s game. Come on. Let’s be serious.

“It’s a completely different game. If you don’t accept that. We will always see things differently.

“The women’s game is thriving. Fantastic to see.

“I cannot take a thing they say serious in the men’s arena.”

He also likened Eni Aluko and her fellow pundit Lucy Ward to serial killers Fred and Rose West during his rant on female commentators.

His comments resulted in her fleeing the country after being left "scared for her safety" from the abuse she received.

The former England footballer said: “I’ve genuinely been scared this week. I didn’t leave my house until Friday and I’m now abroad.

"It’s really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how you feel and how safe you feel in real life.

"I’ve felt under threat this week. I’ve felt like something is going to happen to me."

In response to Aluko's video, Barton accused her of using "the victim card".

"Cry me a f*****g river…" he said. "I was waiting for the victim card to be played."

Barton has received a barrage of abuse following his misogynistic outbursts but has continued his tirade against women in football.

In October, he backed Kevin Keegan after he said he did not enjoy female commentators talking about men’s football.

Barton also described men who stand up for female commentators as eunuchs.

The former Manchester City midfielder was sacked as manager of Bristol Rovers in October.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The NTSB recovers the debris of a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk involved in a mid-air collision near DCA in Arlington, VA.

All major parts of DC plane and Black Hawk helicopter involved in mid-air collision recovered, investigators confirm

A Thai hostage who was freed from Hamas, Pongsak Thaenna, hugs a relative upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport

'We never gave up hope': Freed Thai hostages in tears of joy as they reunite with families after more than a year

Harry and Meghan at the opening ceremony for the Invictus Games.

Meghan and Prince Harry cheer on Team UK at Invictus Games opening ceremony

Daisy the Labrador.

Stolen dog reunited with family after seven years

Irish boxer John Cooney.

Boxer dies from a brain bleed, from injury during championship fight

'Make Europe Great Again' Rally In Madrid

'Make Europe Great Again': Far-right European political leaders praise Trump at Madrid meeting

Kanye West.

Rapper Kanye West advertises t-shirt featuring a Nazi swastika, after 'antisemitic rampage' on X

Andrew Gwynne.

Minister sacked after posting he hoped 'pensioner who didn’t vote Labour would die' in WhatsApp group

Police officers hold back protesters trying to block the road.

Two arrested as protesters clash with police outside proposed site for new Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London

Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

'She's terrible': Trump takes swipe at Meghan, but will not deport Prince Harry

Freed Palestinian prisoners are greeted by a crowd as they arrive in the Gaza Strip after being released from an Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.

Emotional scenes in West Bank and Gaza as Palestinians reunited with their families after release from Israeli prisons

Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King.

'She was grateful for life': parents of Southport stabbing victims pay tribute to their children

Israeli hostage reunited with his family.

Emotional moment Israeli hostages reunite with families after being paraded on stage by Hamas

Police officers hold back protesters trying to block the road at the rally.

Protesters clash with police as thousands rally outside proposed site for new Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London

The father of the Huszti sisters has said he believes his daughters were "kidnapped" and "cruelly killed"

Heartbroken father of sisters found dead in River Dee believes they were 'lured to their death'

Hollyoaks star and country singer thought to be son of British couple shot dead in French villa ‘by UK gangsters’

Hollyoaks star breaks silence over death of mum found dead in French villa with her husband