Sunderland manager David Moyes has apologised after being caught on camera telling a female reporter she “might get a slap”.
The Black Cats boss was interviewed by the BBC’s Vicki Sparks following a 0-0 draw with Burnley on March 18.
He was quizzed about added pressure being placed on his shoulders by club owner Ellis Short after seeing his side fail to pick up three points on home soil in a Premier League basement battle.
Sunderland still believe - Moyes
Moyes brushed off the question, with the Scot well aware of the predicament his side were in ahead of the international break.
He was, however, to tell Sparks after the questioning had finished: “It was getting a wee bit naughty at the end there so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap even though you’re a woman.”
Moyes then added: “Careful next time you come in.”
There was a light-hearted tone to the remarks and Sparks can be seen smiling in the footage captured as she leaves the interview room.
The incident has sparked controversy, though, with Moyes aware that his comments were ill-judged.
Moyes dodges Defoe contract talk
A BBC spokesman said, as quoted by the Daily Star: “Mr Moyes has apologised to our reporter and she has accepted his apology.”
A Sunderland spokesman said: “David and the reporter spoke to one another subsequently and the matter was resolved amicably.”
Moyes saw his side return to action after the international break with a 1-0 defeat at Watford on Saturday, with that reversal leaving them eight points from safety at the foot of the Premier League table.
