An Australian football presenter has been accused of making sexist remarks while commentating on one of the opening matches of the Women’s World Cup.
David Basheer was criticised after telling viewers about a tackle by Australia midfielder Katrina Gorry, adding: “Motherhood hasn’t blunted her competitive instincts.”
The comment sparked a backlash online, with those watching the match against the Republic of Ireland asking why having a child would compromise Gorry’s skill.
Others argued commentators wouldn’t claim fatherhood was affecting a male footballer’s performance during a game.
But some of Basheer’s supporters claim his remark was “clunky” and intended as a compliment – adding that he had spent years promoting women’s football.
However, some viewers of Channel 7, which was broadcasting the World Cup match, also complained after being repeatedly reminded of how many mothers were on the pitch.
Journalist Matilda Boseley said on Twitter: “I swear to god if one more commentator makes a comment about how many mums are on the Matildas team I’m going to punch a hole in the wall. How many dads in the Socceroos mate?”
The Australian team’s official nickname is “the Matildas” – inspired by the old folk song Waltzing Matilda – and up until 1995, they were known as the Female Socceroos.
A record-breaking 75,784 fans turned up to watch Australia’s 1-0 win over Ireland in Sydney.
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Gorry gave birth to her daughter Harper in 2021 and plays for the Swedish side Vittsjö GIK.
In the run-up to the World Cup, the 30-year-old had said: “This is probably the healthiest, happiest [and] best I’ve been playing in a very long time.
“You can see it in my face, you can see it in the way I’m playing.”
