Northern Ireland soccer boss Kenny Shiels has been slammed for saying second goals are scored in women’s soccer because ‘women are more emotional than men’
The 65-year-old Northern Ireland boss has since apologised for his offensive comments about women being more emotional than men.
Speaking to reporters post-match the manager addressed his team’s 5-0 defeat by England.
“I felt [England] were struggling a wee bit at times to open us up until the psychology of going 2-0 up in the women’s game.
“I’m sure you will have noticed if you go through the patterns – when a team concedes a goal, they concede a second one in a very, very short space of time.
“[It happens] right through the whole spectrum of the women’s game, because girls and women are more emotional than men. So, they take a goal going in not very well.”
Kenny shiels
The controversial remarks have been slammed by players and members of the sporting community, with many deeming them offensive.
The manager has since apologised saying he was sorry for any offense caused adding he is an advocate for the women’s game.
“I wish to apologise for my comments made in the post-match press conference last night,”
‘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,”
kenny shiels
His team suffered a 5-0 loss, meaning their opportunity to compete in next year’s Women’s World Cup is over.
Current and former players have slammed the comments, urging the manager to think before he speaks.
A crowd of 15,348 showed up at Windsor Park in Belfast, which is a record for a women’s match in the country.
Kenny Shiels talking foolishness! Talking about emotional women ! Didn’t that man see how many times I was crying on the PITCH! kmt pic.twitter.com/gTKIpd3fV3
