Welsh dual-code rugby star under fire for women summarisers comment
A former Wales rugby and British and Irish Lions star who also played rugby league for Great Britain has come under fire for criticising female co-commentators.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, John Devereux, the former Bridgend and Widnes player who represented Wales in both union and league, took a swipe at the use of female summarisers in football and rugby commentary.
He wrote: “Every bloody game now of men’s football and rugby for that matter on BBC has a woman summariser in it. Any chance we can have a red button choice, with and without? Just asking for a few male friends of mine!”
Every bloody game now of men’s football & rugby for that matter on BBC has a woman summariser in it. Any chance we can have a red button choice, with and without? Just asking for a few male friends of mine!
— John Devereux (@DevereuxJohn13) January 29, 2024
His post quickly drew widespread condemnation, with many calling him rugby’s answer to Joey Barton.
Barton, the controversial former footballer and manager, was widely condemned after he criticised the participation of women in men’s football.
The former Manchester City player and manager of Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers created a social media firestorm after referring to Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward as “the Fred and Rose West of football commentary” after they appeared as pundit and co-commentator on an ITV match broadcast.
Devereux, 57, appears to be sticking by his post on X, which still remains visible on the social media site – and he has since doubled down on his statement, clashing with several posters who have challenged his views, which have been described as ‘antiquated’ and ‘out of touch’.
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Complete and utter troglodyte… he’s clearly angling after an invite onto that walnut-brained misogynist Barton’s podcast.
Yes, the times they are a-changin’. And for the better in this particular respect. I wonder if some of the objections are simply because viewers haven’t previously heard of the women. For me, I enjoy hearing a different perspective and it’s good to see the blokerati being given a bit of a shake-up.
Many will agree, including women.
In most cases it’s just politically correct tokenism.
Ok Trump
Jealousy is it. Fans and pundits can be of any sex. Love of a sport doesn’t require testicles
john devereux is an embarrassment to Cymru, especially coming after the failings of the WRU with regards to cases of sexism and racism!
He should be erased from the “Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.”
1930’s called, they want their Chumley Warner back.
Come off it, perhaps we need a red button to remove machismo dinosaurs that are still rooted in the days of Carry On films.
I see a lot of talent and knowledge and I have absolutely no issues.
I believe in a meritocracy, whoever is best for the job (regardless of gender) should get the job. Having quotas of different genders, ethnic backgrounds is unfair on those best suited for a particular job role. Having said that I also strongly believe in disadvantaged people (for example people with learning difficulties) should be given opportunities for rewarding, paid jobs.
Yes! Crazy though that though.
You are the only person to mention quotas. The women are there on merit.
Really?
Is there any merit to his position? Every time I watch something it also annoys me, not because they are women, but because those hired have no idea what they are on about. This is why I dislike Gary Neville also. Nowadays everything is sexist, or racist! When you slightly question the merit of any decision. For example: Why is there a law in the NFL where in every team has to interview a black coach for their position first when replacing a coach? Even though the majority of players are black!! It’s ridiculous, how about we hire those who… Read more »
Generally I agree with john Devereux but I have to say that Gwennan Harries ( football) is better than other pundits on the Welsh scene. Arbenning Gwennan – yn fan mawr ohonot. Werth gwrando.
The issue for me is not whether they are male or female but whether: 1, they can provide insight into how the game is played at that particular level; and 2, whether they have an interesting or engaging way of explaining the game and its technicalities. Women can do, and do, both effectively. However, there is also no doubt that the women’s game is nowhere near as powerful, fast and (as yet) skilful as the men’s game. In this respect, it is difficult to see how women pundits can have the same level of insight, from playing experience alone, as… Read more »
You mean like Michael Owen, Jermaine Jenas and Dion Dublin give you a better insight? LOL
Regardless of gender or box ticking it should be the best person to provide the biggest insights to the coverage. Selecting women for equality makes no sense to me and weakens the offering. I want to hear from people who have played at that level, in that competition, or are esteemed proven journalists. Give me Phillippa Tuttiett or Carolyn Hitt every time over Gareth Thomas regardless of the fantastic career he had as they provide fantastic view points clearly and concisely. As a big fan of the Wales women’s football team I love the BBC coverage and the co comms… Read more »