Northampton manager Rob Page apologises for 'men against girls' remark
Saturday 7 January 2017 21:34, UK
Northampton manager Rob Page has apologised after saying his team's 5-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers was like "men against girls".
Page made the remark after watching his side slip to an eighth defeat in 10 Sky Bet League One matches, having been 4-0 down after just 24 minutes.
Ellis Harrison scored a seven-minute hat-trick for Bristol Rovers and added his fourth goal of the game after the interval.
Page locked his players in the dressing room for three-quarters of an hour after the match and, when interviewed by BBC Radio Northampton, he said: "People are knocking on my door, saying they deserve a chance and when you do, do your talking out there.
"Actions speak louder than words. It was men against girls, not boys.
"That was embarrassing. My staff and players feel like we've let the football club and the supporters down."
Page was heavily criticised for his comments on social media and subsequently released a statement in which he apologised unreservedly.
"Saturday was a very difficult afternoon for everyone," he said.
"After the match I made a comment, when speaking to our local media, about the game being a case of 'men against girls'.
"I immediately realised that this comment was totally unacceptable. No offence was meant by it and I apologise wholeheartedly if any was caused.
"This was an error of judgement I made in the heat of the moment shortly after a very difficult defeat, but that is no excuse, I accept that."
Northampton's poor run of form has seen them slump to 16th in the League One table, although they remain eight points clear of the drop zone.
The Cobblers romped to the League Two title last season but manager Chris Wilder then left for Sheffield United and Page took charge.
