Moyes fined 30,000 pounds for 'slap' comments to journalist

Public apology not enough to prevent punishment

Posted Saturday, June 10, 2017 by Marca.com

Former Sunderland manager David Moyes was fined 30,000 pounds by the Football Association on Friday for telling a reporter that she "might get a slap".

Moyes, who made the comments to the BBC's Vicki Sparks after Sunderland's goalless Premier League draw against Burnley in March, apologised for his remarks but was still judged by the FA to have brought "the game into disrepute".

"You were just getting a wee bit naughty at the end there, so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap even though you're a woman," the Scot was filmed telling Sparks over questions she asked in an interview.

The exchange was captured on a mobile phone camera and published by the tabloid newspaper Daily Star on its website. Both parties appeared to be laughing during the conversation.

The BBC said at the time that Moyes and Sparks had spoken about the exchange and resolved the issue between themselves.

Moyes made a public apology soon after the footage was published, saying he made the remarks "in the heat of the moment" and that he "deeply regrets" them.

"David Moyes has been fined £30,000 in relation to comments he made," the FA said in a statement. "It was alleged his remarks were improper and/or threatening and/or brought the game into disrepute.

"He denied the charge. However, it was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing."

Moyes resigned as manager of Sunderland last month after the northeast club were relegated from the Premier League.