Andy Townsend called female footballer Eni Aluko ‘love’

Andy Townsend has been accused of sexism after referring to a female footballer as ‘love’ on his radio show.

The former Premier League footballer, who was hosting a BBC 5Live show, was chatting to to Ian Wright and Chelsea Ladies star Eni Aluko. 

But he sparked a furious backlash when he called the England star ‘love’, while they were chatting about Everton player Morgan Schneiderlin.

Referring to midfielder’s poor form, Ms Aluko put it down to a lack of confidence. 

The former Premier League footballer (left), who was hosting a BBC 5Live show, was chatting to to Ian Wright and Chelsea Ladies star Eni Aluko (right) 

But he sparked a furious backlash when he called the England star ‘love’, while they were chatting about Everton player Morgan Schneiderlin (pictured)

She said: ‘I think that he is a shadow of the player he was at Southampton.’

Mr Townsend, 54, replied: ‘But is that confidence? Is that just confidence, love, or do you not think it’s a little bit of guts and heart?’

The presenter was immediately criticised for the remark – with some accusing him of ‘sexism’ 

The presenter was immediately criticised for the remark — with some accusing him of ‘sexism’

The presenter was immediately criticised for the remark – with some taking to social media to accuse him of sexism 

Eni Aluko giving evidence to the Culture Media and Sport Committee

It comes after Nigeria-born Aluko was at the the centre of a racism row involving former England manager Mark Sampson.

He was accused by Aluko of telling her make sure her Nigerian relatives did not bring the ebola virus to a match.

Mr Sampson was denied the allegation but the FA, after reviewing new evidence, said his comments had been racially discriminatory. 

But a barrister later found he was not racist and dismissed Ms Aluko’s claim that she had been the victim of bullying by Mr Sampson.