Ian Wright blasts Kenny Shiels for ‘foolish’ comments about female footballers

Ian Wright has hit out at Northern Ireland women’s boss Kenny Shiels, after he claimed that women are “more emotional” than men. 

Shiels’ remarks came after his side lost 5-0 to England in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night and have drawn heavy criticism from a number of people online. 

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Shiels said: “I felt [England] were struggling a wee bit at times to open us up until the psychology of going 2-0 up in the women’s game. 

“I’m sure you will have noticed if you go through the patterns – when a team concedes a goal, they concede a second one in a very, very short space of time.

“[It happens] right through the whole spectrum of the women’s game, because girls and women are more emotional than men. So, they take a goal going in not very well.

“When we went 1-0 down we tried to slow it down to give them time to get that emotional imbalance out of their heads. That’s an issue we have. Not just in Northern Ireland but all of the countries in the world.”

“In the women’s game I’ve noticed…when a team concedes a goal they concede a second one in a very very short period of time, right through the whole spectrum of the women’s game, because girls and women are more emotional than men. So, they take a goal going in not very well.” https://t.co/HwAOIdpHXZ

Shiels has now apologised for his comments. In a statement, he said: “I wish to apologise for my comments made in the post-match press conference last night. I am sorry for the offence they have caused. 

“Last night was a special occasion for the women’s game in Northern Ireland and I am proud to manage a group of players who are role models for so many girls, and boys, across the country. 

“I am an advocate for the women’s game and