Sky Sports presenter accuses Professional Footballers’ Association of sexism over ‘scantily-clad dancing girls’ at awards night
The Professional Footballers’ Association was accused of sexism after ‘scantily-clad’ backing dancers performed alongside a music act at an awards ceremony this weekend.
Grime trio The Manor performed their hit Ibiza at the annual event at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel last night.
Some of those present felt the presence of the backing dancers went against the message of sexual equality which football is trying to encourage.
Some guests felt the dancers who performed alongside the manor at the PFA awards yesterday undermined the message of sexual equality football authorities have been trying to promote
The women, dressed in white swimwear, performed with music act The Manor at the event
Sky Sports presenter Clare Tomlinson tweeted: ‘At The PFA Awards – some very strong messages about racism and diversity from the Chairman and Cheif Exec – and then they put on the scantily clad dancing girls.’
One of her followers tweeted in reply: ‘They’re trying to work on racism in the game. But sexism still needs work.’
But other Twitter users defended bringing in the dancers.
One writer tweeted: ‘Dancers love dancing and they get paid for it, if seeing a woman earning a living doing something she loves is offensive we are truly lost.’
The dancers – wearing revealing white swimsuits – danced alongside The Manor before host Manish Bhasin said ‘Thank you ladies’ as they walked off stage.
The PFA Footballer of the Year prize went to Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and the Man City’s Raheem Sterling scooped the Young Footballer of the Year gong.
The 46th annual awards also heavily featured stars from the womens’ game with Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema winning the top prize.
The PFA has been contacted for comment.
While some criticised the act, others said there was nothing sexist about women dancing