MX23RW : Monday, November 25 17:10:10| >> :120:26767:26767:

David Moyes backed following "wholly unacceptable" comments

Moyes backed following
© SilverHub
Sunderland condemn the "slap" comments made by manager David Moyes to a BBC reporter last month, but publicly back the Scotsman to remain in charge.

Sunderland have condemned the "wholly unacceptable" comments made by manager David Moyes to a female BBC reporter, but confirmed that the under-fire Scotsman will remain in charge.

The 53-year-old was forced to apologise after footage emerged of him threatening to "slap" Vicki Sparks following a post-match interview last month.

Moyes said that he "deeply regrets" the remarks made in the wake of the Black Cats' goalless draw with Burnley, though some have called for the former Manchester United manager to step aside.

Sunderland have now released a statement backing their manager, who remains under investigation from the Football Association, but acknowledge the seriousness of the comments made.

"Sunderland AFC would like to reiterate the actions taken following the Burnley game on March 18," the statement read. "The exchange between the manager and a BBC reporter was wholly unacceptable and such actions are not condoned or excused in any way. David recognised this immediately, proactively bringing the matter to the attention of the CEO and apologising to the reporter.

"The club also spoke with both a senior figure at the BBC and the reporter personally, expressing its profound regret over what had occurred. The matter was treated with the utmost seriousness from the outset and the swift and decisive action taken by the club and the manager at the time ensured that it was resolved to the satisfaction of the reporter and the BBC, which was the priority.

"With both the BBC and the reporter agreeing that appropriate action had been taken at the time, the club continues to fully support David in his role as manager of Sunderland AFC."

Moyes is currently the bookies' favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post, having presided over a run of one win in 12 games to see Sunderland cut adrift at the bottom of the table.

ID:295293: cacheID:295293:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3090:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
David Moyes watches on during the Premier League game between Everton and Sunderland on February 25, 2017
Read Next:
FA to quiz Moyes, Sunderland over "slap" comment
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds1695228121632
2Sunderland1695226121432
3Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1610422191232
4Burnley168621961330
5Middlesbrough1683529191027
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom166821811726
7Watford168262524126
8Millwall166641914524
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn156451917222
10Bristol City165742020022
11Derby CountyDerby165562020020
12Stoke CityStoke165561920-120
13Norwich CityNorwich164752524119
14Swansea CitySwansea165471414019
15Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds165471826-819
16Luton TownLuton165381826-818
17Coventry CityCoventry164572223-117
18Oxford UnitedOxford Utd164571924-517
19Plymouth ArgylePlymouth164571728-1117
20Preston North EndPreston163761624-816
21Cardiff CityCardiff164481524-916
22Hull City163671621-515
23Portsmouth152671628-1212
24Queens Park RangersQPR161871326-1311


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!