- Host Andy Townsend referred to Eni Aluko as ‘love’ on BBC Radio 5Live show
- He sparked a furious backlash on social media and was accused of ‘sexism’
- They were chatting abou Everton player Morgan Schneiderlin’s performance
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.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/11/28/12/46C383DB00000578-5124485-image-a-54_1511872193510.jpg)
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)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/11/28/11/46B52FFC00000578-0-image-m-17_1511868296153.jpg)
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’
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/11/28/11/46C358F500000578-5124485-image-a-51_1511869840499.jpg)
![The presenter was immediately criticised for the remark -- with some accusing him of 'sexism'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/11/28/11/46C358FF00000578-5124485-image-a-52_1511869844539.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/11/28/11/46C3242400000578-5124485-image-m-47_1511869087795.jpg)
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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/11/28/11/46C3221C00000578-5124485-image-a-48_1511869156762.jpg)
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.