A heated debate erupted on talkSPORT as host Alan Brazil faced criticism from co-presenter Shebahn Aherne over his dismissive comments about women’s football at Manchester United – and Jeff Stelling has now chimed in.
The clash occurred during Thursday morning’s show when Brazil suggested most United fans globally are “not bothered” about the women’s team.
Aherne branded Brazil a “dinosaur” after he insisted that when discussing Manchester United, “this is the mens we’re talking about, the Premier League when we’re talking about mission impossible, not the womens.”
The exchange, which also involved Gabby Agbonlahor, has sparked intense debate across social media.
Jeff Stelling has defended Alan Brazil after he was criticised by a journalist from the Guardian
PA/TALKSPORT
The controversy escalated on social media when Guardian writer Tom Garry supported Aherne’s stance, praising her for “standing up to a dinosaur live on the radio.”
Former Sky Sports presenter Stelling then challenged Garry’s characterisation, tweeting: “As a journalist you should be able to find a less disrespectful description of Alan.”
Garry defended his position, responding: “I thought he was patronising, arrogant and quite rude to a female colleague, live on air, Jeff. Age is not the reason the word dinosaur felt relevant.”
Brazil doubled down on his controversial stance during the heated exchange, stating: “I’m sorry, people around them are not bothered. It is true. They’re not [bothered].”
As a journalist you should be able to find a less disrespectful description of Alan . Do you call your bosses dinosaurs too as they are doubtless older than you ?
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) February 6, 2025
The talkSPORT host insisted the men’s team was the real priority for fans, declaring: “The bigger picture is fans want to see Manchester United in the Premier League challenging.”
He remained adamant about his position, adding: “Its not that important compared to the bigger picture. I’m not going to sit here and lie because its not. It’s not! I’m telling you the truth, it’s not!”
Aherne strongly rebuked Brazil’s comments, saying: “Al, stop being like that. You sound like a proper dinosaur this morning.”
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She highlighted Brazil’s personal connection to women’s football, stating: “You’re the one with the granddaughter playing football, listen to yourself.”
The debate centred around United’s ‘Mission 21’ plan for securing their 21st league title, alongside a ‘Mission 1’ strategy focused on the women’s team winning their first WSL title.
Agbonlahor attempted to mediate, acknowledging that while men’s football is “a lot bigger,” the women’s game “definitely needs helps as well.”
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Brazil avoided further confrontation by simply stating: “Three minutes to eight.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos administration has shown limited engagement with the women’s team since taking control.
Ratcliffe opted to watch the men’s team face Arsenal at Old Trafford rather than attend the women’s historic FA Cup final at Wembley in May.
Alan Brazil was brutally dubbed a ‘dinosaur’ over his views on women’s football
TALKSPORT
In a fanzine interview, he stated: “There’s only so much that you can do, and our focus has been on the men.”
The women’s team has faced significant changes, being displaced from their training facilities during Carrington renovations.
Recent departures include Alessio Russo to Arsenal, Katie Zelem at contract end, and Mary Earps to PSG amid concerns over the club’s ambitions.