Women’s football player Bethany England was amongst a variety of observers who slammed Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness following comments he made through the broadcaster’s coverage of Chelsea vs Tottenham within the Premier League on Sunday.
Souness was within the studio alongside ex-Lionesses star Karen Carney, with David Jones hosting. A frenetic and bad-tempered match at Stamford Bridge ended 2-2, with a variety of flashpoints occurring, comparable to the 2 managers Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte twice clashing on the touchline.
Speaking following the encounter, Souness said: “Referees are letting so much more go and it makes for a greater watch. We’ve all played the sport, with simulation and other people throwing themselves into the bottom. I haven’t seen that within the two games today. It’s a person’s game unexpectedly now.”
He also claimed “boys can be boys” when asked in regards to the managers’ bust-up, and his repeated reference to males didn’t go down well with those that are still celebrating England women’s superb Euro 2022 victory this summer.
England, who plays for Chelsea and has won 19 caps for the Lionesses, took to Twitter to specific her disappointment with Souness’ words. She wrote: ““It’s a person’s game” “Men at it” Get within the bin, what a disgraceful thing to say after the summer this country has just seen.”
Others also hit out at Souness on social media. Pundit Eniola Aluko wrote: “Awkward turtles, Graeme Souness talking about “it’s a person’s game again” sat next to an England centurion Karen Carney, two weeks after @Lionesses end a 56 yr wait and win European Championships. Come on. It’s not okay.”
One user added on Twitter: “Souness stating “It’s a mans game again” a pair weeks after the ladies won the Euros. Sky Sports, you wish some recent pundits.”
And one other said: “Graeme Souness, Jesus wept. ‘It’s a person’s game’ ‘boys can be boys’ ‘our football is back – men at it’. It’s quite uncomfortable watching him sat next to Karen Carney, saying all this. He didn’t even seem bothered when Dave Jones needed to correct him.”
This just isn’t the primary time Souness has courted controversy of late. Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings took issue with an article Souness had penned questioning his attitude following a Zoom interview the 2 had had.
Mings tweeted: “What a weird article. That zoom call I used to be invited on was 2 years ago & he said nothing to me on the time, now wants to pull me into his pointless column. By the best way, I’ve achieved plenty from where I began. Pleased to talk things through should you ever need me.”
