Why Graeme Souness’ 'man’s game’ comments are damaging for women’s football

Sometimes it’s not what was said but what was not. 

Following Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham, Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness described football as a ‘man’s game’, while sitting next to former Lioness Karen Carney. 

This quickly generated a media storm and Souness was soon being lambasted for his remarks on social media.

His statement was in reference to the hostile affair at Stamford Bridge, where managers Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte clashed, players grappled and tensions spilled well beyond the final whistle. 

Though Tuchel’s frosty handshake with an agitated Conte was generally well received by the football world, Souness’ subsequent comments were not. 

Former England Women’s star Eni Aluko branded his remarks as “not ok.” Euro 2022 winner Beth England condemned the words as “disgraceful,” and Carney appeared to roll her eyes in the studio. 

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