David Moyes made 'threat' to reporter, says independent panel
Friday 21 July 2017 21:35, UK
Former Sunderland manager David Moyes made a “threat” to a reporter, an independent panel has ruled.
A commission judged that Moyes had "compounded matters by seriously misjudging the words" he used after a broadcast interview in the tunnel at the Stadium of Light in March.
The three-person panel, chaired by barrister Craig Moore, agreed Moyes' language, "fell significantly short of what could reasonably be regarded as acceptable. To characterise what he said as banter, or a poor choice of words, underplays their significance and seriousness."
Following Sunderland's draw against Burnley in the Premier League, Moyes told reporter Vicki Sparks: "You were just getting a wee bit naughty at the end there, so just watch yourself or you might get a, you still might get a slap even though you're a woman. Careful the next time you come in."
Moyes, who apologised for his behaviour, was not accused of using sexist language.
He claimed Sparks' questions had been "rude", and he had been "rude back", but conceded his remarks had been "a little close to the wire".
The commission ruled: "In print only, the warnings to "just watch yourself" and "careful the next time you come in", either side of the "slap" reference", amounts to a clear and obvious threat of that kind, in our judgment.
"In their fuller context, the video footage shows that the comments were delivered with some purpose, but not in an overtly confrontational manner. Mr Moyes was smiling, as was Ms. Sparks. There was, though, a suggestion that she was smiling nervously, which would be consistent with her feeling uncomfortable… We accept that Mr. Moyes did try to infuse his point with an element of humour."
"In our judgement, that is still a threat, albeit lower on the spectrum of threatening behaviour than a threat of physical violence expressed with serious intent", the panel concluded.
The written reasons, published last month, also reveal Moyes defended his use of the word 'slap'.
The commission noted how he had told them: "A 'slap' in the area of Western Scotland where he was brought up meant a 'verbal slap'. It could also be a "slap across the back of the legs that your mother would give you."
It added: "The significant adverse public reaction…reflects negatively on the game of football and brings it into disrepute."
Sparks made no complaint but, according to the BBC, felt "uncomfortable" about the incident.
The FA did not suggest Moyes intended to use physical violence and it is claimed Sparks did not feel physically threatened.
A day after the Football Association had asked Moyes for his observations, FA chairman Greg Clarke spoke to the media about the verbal exchange.
He said: "The disciplinary team will crack down on people who break the rules and they will decide whether the rules have been broken and what an appropriate sanction should be…"
Sunderland called Clarke's remarks "wholly inappropriate" and Moyes claimed, "…this can only be perceived as amounting to pressure on the FA's disciplinary department…"
Paul Gilroy QC, representing Moyes, said Clarke's statements were, "fundamentally prejudicial" and "frankly outrageous."
After proceedings were adjourned, the panel ruled: "None of the statements that Mr. Clarke made can be said to have been specifically directed at the Regulatory Commission."
"We do not accept The FA's claim that Mr. Clarke's statements were without exception broadly-based and neutral."
It added: "…certain aspects of Mr. Clarke's statements, and their timing, were unfair" but Moyes had a "…fair hearing, free from any bias on the part of the commission."
Moyes was fined £30,000 by the Football Association.
