FORMER footballer turned radio presenter Jason Cundy has been branded a "sexist pig" for objecting to women football commentators because their voices are too "high pitched".
His views given an airing on Good Morning Britain made his name trend on Twitter in the wake of a backlash over his views.
In a clash with Piers Morgan, Cundy was accused of being a "sexist pig" after he admitted that it had nothing to do with whether a woman knew her football inside out, it’s just because he would prefer to listen to a man for 90 minutes.
But on Monday night he made a statement apologising.
Appearing to be reading from a prepared script, Cundy said: "I want to sincerely apologise for the comments I made on Good Morning Britain this morning.
"I came away realising how foolish and out of order they were and how I deserved the backlash that I received.
"There are times that you have to hold your hands up and admit that you are wrong and been an idiot and today was one of those days."
His comments ignited a social media debate over diversity in football and comes after Vicki Sparks became the first woman to commentate at this year’s World Cup.
Cundy, a former Chelsea footballer turned Talksport presenter said: "I found it a tough listen if I'm honest.
"Personal preference I would like to hear a male voice, for 90 minutes of football hearing a high pitched tone is not really what I would like to hear.
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"When there is a moment of drama as there often is in football, that moment needs to be done with a slightly lower voice, it's a personal preference."
But Piers Morgan blasted his "ridiculous" argument.
“My only criteria, Jason, is not that they’re male or female,” said Morgan. “It’s, do they know what they’re talking about? Your annoyance appears to be about that they have too pitchy voices, considering yours is just as pitchy, which seems to make you a sexist pig. How do you plead?”
Cundy said preferring male commentators was the same as preferring Ed Sheeran over Celine Dion.
ITV sports presenter Jacqui Oatley hit back against criticism aimed at Vicki Sparks' World Cup commentary last week.
Piers Morgan clashes with Jason Cundy. Source: Good Morning Britain
Oatley, the first female commentator on Match of the Day said on Twitter: "Frustrating that this 'female commentator' debate is still such an issue, 11 years after my first MotD (Match of the Day) game and eight years after I did seven live World Cup commentaries on 5 Live.
"Voice/style preference is always subjective - to say it “shouldn’t be allowed” says more about the critic.
"I’ve been trying to stay out of this as I just want the likes of @vksparks and @robyniocowen to be able to crack on doing a fine job without adding to the scrutiny (which affected my confidence for a while).
"Still feel we’ve made progress. Dinosaur dissenters are in the minority."
There is a strong female presence across British coverage of the World Cup this summer. Oatley is presenting for ITV, while England and Juventus player Eniola Aluko is a studio pundit.
The BBC is also using Gabby Logan as a reporter, with Alex Scott from Arsenal in the studio.
The Twitter-sphere was suitably critical of Cundy.
Pressure grows on broadcasters to ditch Eni Aluko and Alex Scott and
— Oldfirmfacts (@Oldfirmfacts1) June 25, 2018
their combined 242 England caps, and replace them with Jason Cundy and his 3 England u-21 caps
Jason Cundy criticising female broadcasters because of their voices. What a spectacular lack of self awareness.
— Dan Cancian (@dan_cancian) June 25, 2018
Jason Cundy on @GMB what an absolute disgrace @piersmorgan @susannareid100 the 50’s called and want him back with his sexist views ... don’t like the sound of a woman’s voice !? His mum would be so proud .. #gmb #womencommentatorsrock ⚽️
— From Evija with Love (@EvijawithLove) June 25, 2018
But others felt Cundy had a point.
Totally agree with Jason Cundy. Replace Martin Tyler’s voice with a woman’s when Aguero scored that title winning goal. It would never be the same! #GMB
— Aaron (@AaronNoble1) June 25, 2018
Jason Cundy is right, it's just PC box ticking nonsense.
— Tim Marsden-Glover (@scuzz_le_butt) June 25, 2018
BBC & ITV have a woman on their World Cup panels, it's a joke.
It's like someone who plays crazy golf commenting on The Open. #GMB
Jason Cundy later apologised saying: "I regret my comments and the hurt and anger it has caused. I realise there is absolutely no place for these demeaning attributes towards female commentators, and for that I'm truly sorry."
“I regret my comments and the hurt and anger caused. I’m truly sorry.”
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 25, 2018
Jason Cundy issues a statement. pic.twitter.com/NyYIHZvZY2
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