Ireland women's team captain Katie McCabe has branded pundits Graeme
Souness and Glenn Hoddle “dinosaurs” for their comments about female referees.
History was made last Wednesday when referee Stephanie Frappart and her assistants – including Irishwoman Michelle O’Neill – became the first female group to officiate a major men’s final.
However, Souness claimed other whistlers were more qualified to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup clash, while Hoddle was accused of sexism for saying Frappart had “done well” to keep up with the players for 120 minutes of action.
Arsenal winger McCabe was none too impressed with either of the former midfield
generals.
The Dubliner insisted the comments were reflective of the ignorance towards the women’s game among some pundits.
It’s not the first time Souness has copped flak, with McCabe citing an on-air exchange he had with former Arsenal player and fellow Sky Sports pundit Alex Scott last season.
“You could say it’s an age thing but I don’t know,” said McCabe about 66-year-old Souness.
“Those comments just show their attitudes towards women’s officials and football.
“Even looking back at Alex Scott putting it up to Graeme Souness in terms of their on-screen relationship.
“She was able to say everything back to him because of her knowledge and experience in the game.
“When Sky Sports get more players like Alex on, it will definitely help our image as women’s footballers.”
Asked whether the description of Souness and Hoddle as dinosaurs was accurate, McCabe said: “You’d have to ask them but it does look like that.
“Yeah, they are – if you like to use the term – dinosaurs.
“They should maybe come out and watch a few more women’s games and see we’re not as bad as they think.”
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old isn’t cribbing that Ireland will start their Euro 2021 qualifying campaign on Tuesday week without a permanent successor to the departed Colin Bell.
Caretaker manager Tom O’Connor will remain at the helm for the visit of Montenegro to Tallaght Stadium after negotiations between the FAI and two candidates broke down.
And McCabe doesn’t share the view of teammate Megan Campbell that FAI employees such as Dave Connell shouldn’t be considered for the vacancy.
“I don’t mind if it’s an internal or external appointment, once it’s the right person for the job,” said the Ireland skipper.
“I’ve played under Dave Connell in a very successful Under-19 team that reached the semi-finals of the Euros. Some players have and some haven’t but you cannot please everyone.”
- Katie McCabe announced the launch of Boots Ireland three-year sponsorship with the FAI as partner of the Women’s National Team.
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