David Moyes Fined For Telling Female Reporter She "Might Get A Slap"

The English Football Association has fined former Sunderland manager David Moyes £30,000 for threatening comments he made to a female reporter after a match against Burnley in March.

After a 0-0 draw with Burnley, Moyes took exception to a question from BBC reporter Vicki Sparks, who asked if the manager felt pressure to win because Sunderland’s owner was in the stands. He said, “No,” and then after the presser ended was heard on video telling her the following:

“You were just 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. Careful the next time you come in.”

He apologized, poorly, after the video came to light, telling the media he had “apologized to the girl” and touting his support for women’s soccer as if that were at all relevant. Then, after Sunderland were relegated last month, he quit as manager.

The FA’s statement today announcing Moyes’s punishment read:

David Moyes has been fined £30,000 in relation to comments he made after the Sunderland versus Burnley game on 18 March 2017.

It was alleged his remarks were improper and/or threatening and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to FA Rule E3(1).

He denied the charge, however, it was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.