Football: David Moyes charged over female reporter 'slap' comments

Sunderland manager David Moyes. Photo / Getty

Sunderland boss David Moyes has been charged over comments in which he suggested he might "slap" a female reporter.

The 54-year-old Scot was initially asked for his observations on the incident, which took place after the 0-0 Premier League draw with Burnley on March 18, by the Football Association and has now been hit with a charge.

"David Moyes has been charged in relation to comments made after the game against Burnley on 18 March 2017," an FA statement read.

"It is alleged the Sunderland manager's remarks were improper and/or threatening and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to FA Rule E3(1).

"He has until 6pm on 3 May 2017 to reply to the charge."

However, Moyes has not been accused of an aggravated breach of the rule, conviction for which could carry a heavier penalty.

Should Moyes either admit the alleged offence or be found guilty by an independent regulatory commission, he would be likely to face a fine and could be asked to attend an education course.

The charge arises from a conversation which took place between the Black Cats boss and BBC Newcastle and Radio Five Live reporter Vicki Sparks at the end of a post-match interview.

Moyes was unhappy with one of Sparks' questions and warned her to be careful next time and that she "might get a slap".

Although the interview was over, the camera was still running and footage of the incident was published weeks later by a national newspaper.

Amid a furore, it was revealed that Moyes had later apologised to Sparks - who did not make a complaint - by telephone and that she had accepted it, and he was contrite when questioned about the matter at a subsequent press conference.

"In the heat of the moment, I made a mistake in my comments to a BBC reporter, which I profoundly regret. I was disappointed with myself for it," he said.

"I subsequently phoned the reporter and apologised, which she accepted. It's not my character, it's not my type, as most people know and once again I apologise for it."

- AAP