ITV's World Cup coverage has sparked controversy, but the real issue isn't sexism from the broadcaster—it's the torrent of online abuse directed at female pundits by male viewers. Fran Winston, Showbiz Reporter, explores the toxic backlash.
Misogyny in the Spotlight
While monitoring reaction to ITV's World Cup coverage, I was shocked by the level of misogyny. After the first England game on June 17, Emma Hayes was shown in a studio 'kitchen' using a chalkboard—a poor staging choice, but the abuse she and other women received was far worse.
Qualified Women Under Fire
ITV's pundit team includes Emma Hayes, Christina Unkel, Connie Mclaughlin, Smera Hunter, Karen Carney, Laura Woods, and Lucy Ward—around a third of the commentary team. Each has an impressive background and deep football knowledge. Yet they face relentless online attacks.
- 'Having so many women pundits ruining the World Cup is a bigger issue than migrants,' one man fumed.
- 'Why do they have women on? No men on the women's World Cup,' another complained.
- 'Why the women and one man in the studio? Men stick with men's, women do women's!'
Targeting Individuals
Male trolls singled out pundits like Karen Carney, ignoring her four Women's World Cup appearances. Laura Woods was reduced to her appearance, with one comment: 'Laura Woods... Ooft what I wouldn't do to that.'
Double Standards
No male pundits face similar insults. These trolls, often hiding behind anonymous profiles, show little accomplishment themselves. It's 2026—women with expertise can comment on any sport. ITV's female representation should be normal, not praised. I hope ITV supports these women and ignores the abusers. Let the trolls rage as women continue to succeed in sports punditry.
