ITV ignites sexism row after making female pundit Emma Hayes discuss World Cup tactics from 'kitchen'
Topics: Football, World Cup, ITV, Social Media
Rhiannon Ingle
Featured Image Credit: ITV
Topics: Football, World Cup, ITV, Social Media
It was England's 2026 World Cup tournament debut last night (17 June), with fans around the world tuning in as they beat Croatia 4-2.
Harry Kane scored two goals during the match, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford scored one each, leaving many England fans with hope that it could be coming home this year.
However, one broadcaster is facing major backlash after making expert pundit Emma Hayes, who is also the head coach of the United States women's national team, conduct a tactical analysis of The Lions' victory in what looked like a 'kitchen'.
One TV source told the Daily Mail that the apartment set, which overlooked the Brooklyn Bridge and appeared to be made up of kitchen units, was 'hugely embarrassing' for ITV and demeaning to Hayes.
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"Can you imagine ITV putting Gary Neville on a set like that? No chance that would happen. It is hugely embarrassing," they said.
ITV viewers were also quick to question why Hayes, who won a record 15 trophies with Chelsea, was made to do the analysis using a chalkboard as opposed to a digital touchscreen.
One social media user fumed: "ITV putting a woman on discussing the tactics but making her do it from the kitchen. Bad planning from @ITV."
A second hit out: "Why did ITV put the woman expert pundit in a kitchen?"
"Whoever signed this off in production will be arguing what success it was!" slammed a third as a fourth chimed in: "And using a blackboard from a school classroom from the 70s! Even my mother said it was a joke. I thought it was This Morning!"
A fifth jabbed: "ITV Sport, you must be totally embarrassed after that!!"
"Exactly. I came back in and thought my wife had turned over to some cooking show," shared a sixth as a seventh echoed: "When I saw that I genuinely thought it was a comedy sketch."
Another defended: "I really like Emma Hayes, and I think she’s an insightful pundit.
"I’m not sure why they have decided to make it look like she’s writing the specials on a bistro chalkboard! I really want to know what’s in those cupboards."
And a final fan added: "I’m not sure ITV are massively advancing the idea of women’s equality in football by having Emma Hayes give her analysis from a set which looks like she’s stuck in a kitchen?"
Tyla has reached out to ITV and Emma Hayes' representatives for comment.