TalkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil has been labelled a “proper dinosaur” after suggesting fans aren’t interested in women’s football.
The former Scotland international, 65, unleashed a cutting assessment on Thursday morning while discussing Manchester United’s new strategy, ‘Mission 21’, for returning to the pinnacle of English football. Colleague Shebahn Aherne pointed out one objective was to boost the silverware haul of United’s women’s side, a notion that clearly didn’t sit well with Brazil.
“With the greatest respect, when you talk about Manchester United,” he began. “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.”
Despite being corrected on fan interest levels, he doubled down: “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.
“No, the bigger picture is fans want to see Manchester United in the Premier League challenging. That’s the bigger picture. It’s not that important compared to the bigger picture. I’m not going to sit here and lie because it’s not.”
Aherne didn’t hold back in her response, blasting: “Al, stop being like that. You sound like a proper dinosaur this morning. I don’t know why you’re being like that.” Only for Brazil to counter: “You’re kidding yourself on.”
Aherne added: “That’s unbelievable from you. You’re the one with the granddaughter playing football, listen to yourself. Right now, that’s important.”
Fans have taken to social media to react to Brazil’s comments. One remarked: “Credit to Sheban Aherne on calling out Alan Brazil for his misogynistic viewpoints this morning. Bloke is an absolute dinosaur and should be sacked @talkSPORT.”
Another weighed in: “Credit to @shebahn, who had to listen to an absolute shocker of an ‘opinion’ from Alan Brazil regarding women’s football this morning on Talksport. Pure ignorant drivel that belongs in the Stone Age like Brazil himself.”
A third said: “@talksport Alan Brazil should be sacked immediately. If he has no regard towards ladies football then why the hell is he on a sport show? Surely he knows he’s in big trouble. Let shebahn have his position just to rub it in.”