A few weeks ago, the spotlight of the women’s football world was on talkSPORT, the UK’s leading sports radio show. However, for the UK news outlet, this attention came for all the wrong reasons.
On the morning of Thursday, 6th February, during a discussion about the state of Manchester United Football Club on the breakfast show, Aherne shared insights on INEOS’ new plan for the footballing giants, which includes several key targets for the women’s team.
Former footballer-turned-radio host, Alan Brazil, then chimed in, saying:
“Real fans don’t care about the women’s team”.
Brazil was branded a dinosaur for his outdated views, which are thankfully in the minority. However, his remarks highlight just how much work remains to be done when women’s sport is still being dismissed in mainstream media, despite relentless efforts to keep it thriving.
Aherne bravely stood her ground against her colleague, refusing to back down from her point. Unfortunately, this type of conversation is all too familiar, echoing debates that many people encounter almost weekly. Aherne was simply stating facts about the women’s team’s ambitions for trophies—which, notably, matched the men’s achievements last season, with both teams winning the FA Cup. Yet, Brazil doubled down on his stance, remarking:
“With the greatest respect, women’s football is getting more important now, but when you talk about Manchester United, this is the men we’re talking about […] the Premier League when we’re talking about mission impossible, not the women’s.”
Ahead of their recent FA Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 8th, posters in the away end for United fans displayed the bold statement, “WE CARE.” This was a powerful message to show that, although it shouldn’t have to be emphasised, there is genuine care, desire, and passion for the women’s team.
Manchester United fan Melissa Gibbon shared her thoughts on the incident with Brazil, describing how it made her feel and how people have reacted to his comments.
“Growing up I didn’t have the same exposure to women playing football as young people do now, it’s sad – representation matters. Stereotypes are being broken everyday and I think it’s so exciting. I travel hundreds and thousands of miles to watch my team and country play, home and away and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Just because women’s football isn’t ’your thing’, doesn’t mean it’s not anybody else’s. If everybody liked the same thing, the world would be a very boring place. I was outraged by Alan Brazil’s comments, especially after finding out he has a granddaughter whose world is playing football. The incident has brought the community together and we will fight for what is right – this small spark has lit a fire. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for female sports. It’s going to be incredible, mark my words! Here’s to more records being broken, viewing figures going up and a whole lot of ‘women in male fields’.
I also spoke to Mia Walters, another United fan, who expressed her disappointment with the comments but also praised how the fanbase rallied around the team at their next fixture.
“It was certainly disheartening to hear the women’s game being torn down so publicly, especially as a Manchester United fan with the comments being made by an ex player of the club. As a fanbase, I was really proud of how we banded together and coordinated the sign project displaying the message “WE CARE” for the Wolves away game to show that the team and the women’s game as a whole are really important to us and definitely here to stay.”
Overall, the perspectives shared by Mia and Melissa resonate with thousands around the world. Women’s football continues to grow, and the significance of Shebahn Aherne speaking out cannot be overstated. Her courage in addressing the issue was met with overwhelming support from the community.
Photo – https://sportsgazette.co.uk/shebahn-aherne-interview-sports-gazette/
Quotes taken from The Independent – https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/alan-brazil-talksport-womens-football-b2693614.html
