ITV has been embroiled in a sexism row after presenting renowned football manager Emma Hayes with a kitchen-style set for her World Cup punditry. The 49-year-old head coach of the US Women's national team, a decorated figure in football, has been widely praised for her insightful analysis during the tournament. However, the unconventional set, featuring a chalkboard and wooden drawers reminiscent of a home kitchen, has drawn sharp criticism.
Viewers and Media Personalities React
Dan Walker, among others, expressed confusion, saying, 'I really like Emma Hayes and I think she’s an insightful pundit. I’m not sure why they have decided to make it look like she’s writing the specials on a bistro chalkboard!' Others were less restrained, with Kam Sandhu tweeting, 'Why in the highkey misogyny is the only female pundit on ITV football broadcasting from a KITCHEN?' Jacob Horsfall added, 'Emma Hayes is class. However, the fact that she has to explain things with chalk and a blackboard is crap.'
Calls for Change
Many have demanded ITV revamp the presentation. Steve commented, 'They must change the presentation of Emma Hayes. Her analysis is superb. Sticking her in a kitchen with a chalkboard is setting women’s football back a decade.' Matt Abbott echoed, 'This is woeful from ITV. Emma Hayes is brilliant, articulate and insightful, yet she’s made to provide micro analysis from some weird kitchen set-up with a chalkboard that isn’t even rectangular. It makes her look amateurish when she’s anything but. Imagine Neville doing that!!'
Defenders of the Set
Some defended the decision, arguing that the association with a kitchen reflects viewers' own biases. Annie Eaves said, 'I think sometimes we just get too upset about nothing. ITV have given Emma a great slot and she’s nailed it. They’re using the set they have. If you immediately look at that set up and think: WOMAN KITCHEN, then that isn’t on ITV.' She added, 'Do you seriously think ITV have thought they’ll put Emma there because it looks like an outdoor kitchen? I think sometimes our own prejudices and bigotry are foisted on to absolutely innocent decisions.'
Rebekka dismissed the controversy, stating, 'This Emma Hayes discourse is so boring, how in 2026 some of you find misogynistic memes about women being in the kitchen is funny.' Another user, Natural, noted, 'Emma Hayes is a fantastic pundit, giving great tactical insight at this World Cup, unlike certain other broadcasters. Also, it’s a blackboard that coaches back in the day would use, not a freaking kitchen table.'
England's World Cup Campaign
England began their World Cup journey with a 4-2 victory over Croatia. The squad includes stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka. Upcoming fixtures include matches against Ghana and Panama.
Metro has reached out to ITV and Emma Hayes' representatives for comment.
