ITV has been accused of sexism after football manager Emma Hayes provided analysis during England's World Cup match against Croatia from a studio kitchen set. The segment, which aired during a hydration break, showed Hayes using a chalkboard to explain tactics, but viewers criticized the network for the setting.
Backlash Over Set Design
As players took a water break, ITV cut to Hayes in a kitchen-like studio, prompting a wave of criticism on social media. Presenter Cristo Foufas shared a clip on X, writing: "I’m not sure ITV are massively advancing the idea of women’s equality in football by having Emma Hayes give her analysis from a set which looks like she’s stuck in a kitchen?"
One viewer commented: "Surely they could give her a digital screen and a mouse. The two chalkboards go with the kitchen. I wonder what her Croatian counterpart has been given to explain the gameplay." Another said: "We’ve just been watching that and we honestly thought it was a skit. Whose mum is this? Why’s she in a half-built kitchen?"
A third added: "I agree. I thought it was ITV being ironic. I didn’t appreciate it." Another viewer remarked: "I thought it was an advert at first. Stupid idea, I was distracted with the kitchen, waiting for her to advertise kitchen doors."
Mixed Reactions
However, not all feedback was negative. Some viewers praised Hayes' analysis, with one writing: "I thought she analysed this game and the tactics superbly well. You can tell why she coaches at national level. Brilliant." Another said: "Emma’s analysis is excellent, but the camera angles and the set looked off. I would like to see her given a little bit more time to break things down during the water breaks."
ITV has been contacted for comment by Express.co.uk.
