Featured Image Credit: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images/JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Celebrity, Sport, Social Media
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Celebrity, Sport, Social Media
England striker Harry Kane has this week found himself in hot water with a number of football fans, who have accused him of making a 'sexist' remark when chatting with press amid this year's men's Euros.
Discussing his team's rather lacklustre performance against Slovenia last week, the 30-year-old had some pretty harsh words to say about England's progress this year.
It wasn't his critique of the men's team, however, that has sparked backlash among football fans.
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It's a remark he made seemingly about the lack of success from English sporting teams altogether, despite the women's team - the Lionesses - having come out on top at their last Euros tournament.
"I would never want to be disrespectful to any player, especially a player who has worn the shirt and knows what it is like to play for England," began.
"But what ex-players or ex-players who are pundits now have got to realise it is very hard not to listen to it now, especially for some players who are not used to it or some players who are new to the environment.
"I always feel like they have a responsibility. I know they have got to be honest and give their opinion but also they have a responsibility of being an ex-England player that a lot of players look up to that people do listen to them and people do care what they say."
He continued: "The bottom line is we haven't won anything as a nation for a long, long time and a lot of these players were part of that as well and they know how tough it is, so it is not digging anyone out."
Thousands of fans of women's football have since hit out at the striker on social media, accusing him of disrespecting the success of his female counterparts.
"I cannot imagine what it must be like for the lionesses to have WON the euros, then get 2nd in the World Cup, just for Harry Kane to say ‘England hasn’t won anything as a nation for a long, long time’," one penned on social media this week.
They went on to point out: "Also, female athletes have won gold at the last FOUR Winter Olympics".
Another hit out: "Apparently Harry Kane believes England haven't won anything in years. Weird! Did I imagine England winning Euros and coming second in the world cup or don't women count?"
A third went on: "Harry Kane: ‘England haven’t won anything as a nation for a long time'. Lionesses: ‘….👀"
Others, however, defended the star, explaining he was only referring to the men's team specifically.
"He’s clearly on about the men’s football team. He’s captain of it, it’s a men’s tournament, not everything is an agenda," one user hit back.
"How BORING is this discourse he clearly means the men’s team ??????" another chimed in.
Tyla has contacted Harry Kane's representatives for comment.