Sunderland boss David Moyes charged by FA over 'threatening' comments to reporter Vicki Sparks

Updated 26/04/2017 at 09:18 GMT

Sunderland manager David Moyes has been charged by the Football Association for making “improper and/or threatening” comments over his remarks to BBC reporter Vicki Sparks.

Sunderland manager David Moyes before the game

Image credit: Reuters

Video came to light of Moyes talking to Sparks in the tunnel after an interview had just concluded following the club’s draw with Burnley in March.

Moyes said: “It was 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.”

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He subsequently apologised to Sparks, but the FA is taking action. A statement said:

David Moyes has been charged in relation to comments made after the game against Burnley on 18 March 2017. It is alleged the Sunderland manager’s remarks were improper and/or threatening and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to FA Rule E3(1). He has until 6pm on 3 May 2017 to reply to the charge.

Sunderland stood by Moyes in a statement issued on April 4.

"Sunderland AFC would like to reiterate the actions taken following the Burnley game on March 18," it said. “The exchange between the manager and a BBC reporter was wholly unacceptable and such actions are not condoned or excused in any way.

“David recognised this immediately, proactively bringing the matter to the attention of the CEO (Martin Bain) and apologising to the reporter. The club also spoke with both a senior figure at the BBC and the reporter personally, expressing its profound regret over what had occurred.

“The matter was treated with the utmost seriousness from the outset and the swift and decisive action taken by the club and the manager at the time ensured that it was resolved to the satisfaction of the reporter and the BBC, which was the priority.

“With both the BBC and the reporter agreeing that appropriate action had been taken at the time, the club continues to fully support David in his role as manager of Sunderland AFC.”

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