Football chiefs have been called out online after a ceremony to recognise women's' contribution to the sport was attended by an all-male cohort.
A plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first women’s team match between Scotland and England was presented to a group of men - prompting ridicule on Twitter.
Greenock Juniors FC claimed it raised issues over a lack of female representation before the photo-op went ahead.
The club, who play at Ravenscraig Stadium, Greenock, Inverclyde, posted pictures of the plaque presentation on Friday (Feb 11), made by Paul McNeil of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to Greenock Juniors chairman Tommy Sutherland.
Advert
However, followers couldn’t help but comment on the all-male photo op for a plaque celebrating women and branded the moment “blind male privilege”.
One commenter shared: “It’s great that the historic occasion is being rightfully recognised…..but it would have been good to have had some local girls or woman footballers involved in the photo op”.
“I adore the folk in this pic, but it’s a great example of the blind male privilege,” another wrote. “So many amazing women that could have been in these photos to celebrate this history.
Advert
“There is no excuses here, just lack of equality. Time to wake up.”
A third: “That’s a big deal. Why not arrange a women’s @ScotlandNT friendly at Ravenscraig to mark the occasion? And yes, why no women in attendance?”
“Ummm, could ALL the women you invited to this not make it? You…DID extend an invitation to women didn’t you? PLEASE say you invited *some* WOMEN to celebrate something celebrating WOMEN??” a fourth posted.
Advert
In light of the commentary, Club chairman Tommy Sutherland said: “I did talk about there being no representation of women there.
“All I can say in defence of everyone else there is they did say they were going to try and get somebody down when it comes to being unveiled.
Advert
“It wasn’t our call to have the people there – I was going down to represent the club and I really didn’t have any idea who was going to be turning up.”
Paul Brown, the club secretary was not present at the event but said: “We were concerned about there being no women present.”
The event was also attended by SNP MSP Stuart McMillan and Inverclyde councillor Tommy McVey. Both were approached for comment.
The event was organised by the SFA, The National understands but the organisation could not explain why women had been excluded.
Advert
The plaque commemorates the first time England and Scotland’s women’s teams faced off in November 1972.
Rose Reilly, one of the most celebrated women to play football in Scotland, was part of the team beaten by England 3-2 on the day.
An SFA spokesman said: "The Scottish FA has plans to officially mark the 50th anniversary of the match, which was played in November 1972, closer to the actual anniversary date later this year."
Lisa McLoughlin