Martin O'Neill: Republic of Ireland boss jokes 'ugly' partners face ban

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has joked that "uglier" wives and girlfriends will not be allowed to visit the squad during Euro 2016.

O'Neill, 64, was asked at a news conference on Thursday if his players' partners would be welcomed at the team base in France.

"I think it depends on how good-looking the girls are really," said the former Aston Villa and Celtic boss.

"If they're really attractive, they're very, very welcome."

O'Neill, whose side entertain Switzerland in a friendly in Dublin on Friday, added: "The uglier ones, I'm afraid not."

Earlier this week, Wales manager Chris Coleman said wives, girlfriends and family members will be banned from his team's hotel during the early stages of their European Championship campaign.

O'Neill's comments come in a week when tennis has become engulfed in a sexism and equal pay row.

Indian Wells chief executive Raymond Moore resigned after saying female players should "get down on their knees and thank God" for the stars of the men's game.