Debate about women working as football pundits is ridiculous, says Rishi Sunak
- Published
Eni Aluko posted two emotional videos on social media explaining the abuse she had received and the impact is had on her
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says the debate about whether women should work as football pundits is "ridiculous".
Sunak says the job should be "open to everybody" following comments by former Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton.
Barton's comments about Eni Aluko led to the ex-England forward receiving abuse and feeling "genuinely scared".
"I listen to all sorts of conversations and they're all great. It shouldn't really matter, quite frankly," said Sunak.
"Of course it should be open to everybody."
Aluko said she was scared to leave her house after comments from Barton earlier this month, where he compared the 36-year-old and co-commentator Lucy Ward to serial killers Fred and Rose West.
ITV criticised the "vindictive remarks", while sports minister Stuart Andrew told a Culture, Media and Sport select committee that the "dangerous comments open the floodgates for abuse".
Since last month Barton, who was sacked as Bristol Rovers manager in October, has repeatedly used social media to criticise women working in men's football. While his comments have been widely condemned, they have fuelled further abuse.
"What we care about is the quality of the commentating. I don't get to watch or listen to as much football as I'd like but obviously, that [debate] is completely ridiculous," added Sunak.
"I have two young girls and I'd love it if one of them wanted to be a football commentator when they grew up."
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