Shiels apologises after saying ‘women are more emotional than men’ following Northern Ireland’s loss to England
KENNY SHIELS has apologised after claiming “women are more emotional than men” following Northern Ireland’s loss to England at Windsor Park.
Shiels’ comments – made after his side fell to a 5-0 defeat- have been met with a backlash from influential figures in football.
Former England striker Ian Wright and Women in Football chief Yvonne Harrison are among those who criticised Shiels’ remarks.
The Northern Ireland manager, 65, said women’s teams conceding multiple goals “in a very short period time” is something that occurs “through the whole spectrum of the game”.
Shiels also suggested women’s sides do not take a goal going in “very well” because “women are more emotional than men”.
The former Derry City chief made the comments after his side conceded four second-half goals in 19 minutes at home to England on Tuesday.
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Last Friday they conceded three in nine minutes away to Austria.
This afternoon the Northern Ireland manager said he was sorry for the offence caused by his comments.
In a statement published on the Irish FA’s website, Shiels said: “I wish to apologise for my comments made in the post-match press conference last night.
“I am sorry for the offence that they have caused.
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“Last night was a special occasion for the women’s game in Northern Ireland and I am proud to manage a group of players who are role models for so many girls, and boys, across the country.
“I am an advocate for the women’s game and passionate about developing opportunities for women and girls to flourish.”
Responding to his original comments, Arsenal legend Wright, who is a WSL ambassador, tweeted: “Kenny Shiels (is) talking foolishness. Talking about emotional women!”
The Highbury icon included two pictures of himself during an unhappy moment in his playing days to emphasise his point.
Shiels’ statement comes a day after Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier duel with England played in front of a record crowd of more than 15,000 fans at Windsor Park.
His team are set to face Norway in their first game at the Euros in July after qualifying for the tournament for the first time in their history.