Football sexism rears its head over England pundit

Right-wing GB News and Talk TV panellist Adam Brooks appears to be feeling pretty rattled at the concept that a successful women’s football coach dare critiques the tactics of the men’s team. Emma Hayes, the head coach of the United States women’s national team, is working as a pundit for ITV during the men’s World Cup.

That’s literally all it took for misogynists to attack her.

For all the talk about standing up for women, the right wing seems far less comfortable when women step into the so-called “men’s game” of football.

However, women’s teams have often been far more successful than their male counterparts, which highlights how the concept of women being equal to men leaves some fragile men absolutely enraged. After all, women are clearly only to be seen and not heard by these pathetic excuses for men.

How bloody dare she!

Once again, this comes as yet another reminder that misogyny is a serious problem in the UK.

Why the f*** do we have a woman coach from the women’s game telling us about England men’s football tactics ?!!

Why ?!!! @itvfootball #england #EngCro

— Adam Brooks AKA EssexPR 🇬🇧 (@EssexPR) June 17, 2026

Football coach faces abuse

This vile post comes as no surprise to most women. Too many insecure right-wing men still see equality for women as a threat rather than a basic principle of life, showing the patriarchy is alive and well in the UK.

The reality is simple: women still face pay gaps, shoulder more unpaid work at home, and encounter obstacles in their careers that men rarely have to think about. Equality isn’t here yet, and posts like this show exactly why the fight continues.

Thus, the progress of women’s involvement in the sport of football – which has seen incredible success for many women’s teams and a considerable number of trophies to show for their skills – has left some men feeling pretty enraged that they dare comment on the men’s game.

The rest of us recognise that football is football. The rules don’t change when women play it, and neither do the tactics. No matter how desperately some men want to believe they’re superior, understanding the game isn’t determined by gender.

Yet despite all that, Emma Hayes has provoked fury online for daring to discuss football tactics on ITV during the World Cup – a job countless male pundits perform every week without controversy.

She should know her place apparently, according to a GB News panellist:

Why the f*** do we have a woman coach from the women’s game telling us about England men’s football tactics ?!!

Why ?!!!
@itvfootball

A retired police officer has also joined the condemnation efforts – which is no surprise given the entrenched misogyny within the police service – whilst also revealing how incapable some men are of hearing other perspectives, saying on X:

Mate I said the same to our group who were watching the game in Wales in a pub; I’ve no problem them talking about women’s football but please leave our game alone in fact I wish all football pundits would just shut the feck up I can see the game so don’t need to hear someone’s else’s bollox on what I can see for myself!!🤷‍♂️🙄🤦‍♂️

‘Respect’

However, not only has Brooks managed to offend women as a whole and expose his gross bigotry, but he’s also managed to upset men who ‘respect him’.

An account replied on X:

I actually like you and agree with a lot of what you say but here you are extremely ignorant, Emma Hayes has elite football intelligence and is better than 99% of male pundits.

Obviously, daring to say this got some considerable pushback, but he wasn’t having any of it – and rightfully so!

He added:

No I’m sorry but you’re wrong here. I’ve watched football my whole life, I’ve seen hundreds of male pundits. She understands football to an elite level, full stop. You just sound like you’re desperate to make a political point without actually understanding the point you’re making and I say that as someone who respects you but you’re wrong here.

Only to then go on and expose Brook’s blatant hypocrisy:

Are you a politician? Why do you go on tv and provide analysis on politics?

Thankfully, and refreshingly frankly amidst the rise of the far-right, plenty have stepped in to show the prick just how wrong he is:

Because, Adam, only two male managers in history have won more trophies with English teams than her, and she is one of the best managers and tactical football minds on the planet.
That's why. https://t.co/eh0kKntkgD

— Paul Wheeler (@paulwradio) June 17, 2026

Another beautifully stated:

Because her gender is irrelevant.

If she understands tactics, shape, pressing, transitions, movement, substitutions and game management, she is qualified to discuss football.

The men’s and women’s games differ physically, of course, they do, but football intelligence is football intelligence.

Judge the analysis, not the sex of the person giving it.

Adding insult to injury, one account highlighted the far stronger record of women’s teams in recent years – perhaps revealing why Brooks seems so rattled by a woman discussing football.

BECAUSE ONLY WOMEN HAVE WON ANY MAJOR TOURNAMENTS IN MY LIFE TIME ADAM! @itvfootball #ENGCRO #ENGvCRO https://t.co/2eRRdkaEno

— K.Bee 💛🐝 (@K_bumblebee) June 17, 2026

This is pretty typical of the far-right

A couple others made the connection between the pundit’s political beliefs, his racism, and this blatant misogyny:

Man who doesn't like anyone brown also doesn't like women talking about football on TV. Trying to act surprised.

Emma Hayes btw. One of the most knowledgable people in the whole footballing world.

And why do they always have children😭 poor little things https://t.co/YQxFfTSQjV

— Amy Clement (@ames_clem) June 17, 2026

If you want to understand the level of degeneracy that rules on this platform, Reform supporting youtuber, @EssexPR doesn't think Emma Hayes, a Level 5 UEFA Pro Licence holder, the highest qualification in world football, has the right to be talking about football, because she's… https://t.co/8aSU1Qyd5I

— Sam (@SamCKx) June 18, 2026

Reform UK supporters will “stand up for women” but won’t hear them

This goes to highlight the issue with right-wing politics – if someone can dehumanise and mistreat one group, they will have no qualms in doing it to women. Brooks is a vocal supporter of Reform UK, whose sudden concern for “women in work” has coincided neatly with the looming Makerfield by-election.

Nevertheless, we have called out their rank hypocrisy. Emma Hayes job is a football coach – like in all careers, it makes absolutely no difference what gender takes the role.

However, this is exactly the point. Women are still fighting for equality, and Farage and Reform UK would erase even the scant progress we’ve made if left unchallenged.

Featured image via the Canary