What Alan Brazil revealed about the men who hate women’s football Comment: Brazil’s exchange with TalkSport co-host Shebahn Aherne was revealing of the climate women’s football now exists in, where those who hate can hate openly and loudly.
While TalkSport currently broadcasts live radio commentary of up to 20 Women’s Super League matches a season, plus the Women’s League Cup, Brazil may feel he is better off leaving the discussion of the women’s game to someone else.
Aherne’s robust response to Brazil’s views – she called the 65-year-old a “dinosaur” after he said “people around the world are not bothered” about United’s women’s side – and wider defence of the sport has earned praise, at a time where counter-opposition to its growing popularity and evident success in recent years has never been more open.
Both returned to the air on Friday – Brazil opening his show with a lengthy discussion about the conditions Ray Parlour encountered on his round of golf the previous day; Aherne interviewing a mournful Jermaine Jenas as he explained the “inappropriate” actions that led to his dismissal from the BBC.
For example, the former Manchester United and Scotland striker spends part of his weekends on the sidelines and watches while his granddaughter plays football; an occupation he can apparently hold while simultaneously telling her that nobody would be bothered should she go on to one day play at Old Trafford.
