Monday 3 April 2017 16:32, UK
David Moyes has expressed his regret for comments made to a female reporter following Sunderland's draw with Burnley last month.
The Sunderland manager appeared to be annoyed at BBC reporter Vicki Sparks after she asked if owner Ellis Short's presence at the game had meant he was under more pressure with the club once again fighting a battle against relegation.
Moyes replied "no, none at all" before the interview drew to a close, but during the off-air exchange he suggested she should think twice about returning to the Stadium of Light.
Sparks was told by Moyes: "It was getting a wee bit naughty at the end there so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap, even though you're a woman."
He then added: "Careful the next time you come in."
Both Moyes and Sparks appeared to be laughing during the conversation and the reporter did not make a complaint, although BBC colleagues are understood to have been unimpressed when they heard about the incident.
Moyes later apologised during a telephone call and spoke of his regret about the incident at his news conference ahead of Tuesday night's visit to champions Leicester.
"It was in the heat of the moment," Moyes said. "I deeply regret the comments I made. It's certainly not the person I am and I accept it was a mistake.
"I've spoken to the BBC reporter who accepted my apology and hopefully we can now move on."
Asked about the reaction from the club, Moyes said: "The club have known about it for two weeks, I told Ellis [Short, Sunderland's chairman] about it two weeks ago. Sometimes these things happen in the heat of the moment.
"We're in an industry where you don't always answer things the way you want to. It can happen to managers young and old. It can be difficult being put in front of the cameras so soon after the games."
Earlier, a Sunderland spokesman said: "David and the reporter spoke to one another subsequently and the matter was resolved amicably."
News of the incident emerged after Moyes confirmed he expects to remain in charge at the club next season no matter what happens.
Sunderland remain rooted to the foot of the table following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Watford and are eight points adrift of safety ahead of Tuesday night's trip to Leicester.
