“Girls and women are more emotional than men.”
Northern Ireland coach Kenny Shiels said his side conceded goals in quick succession because ‘girls and women are more emotional than men.’
Sheils made the comments after his team lost 5-0 to England on Tuesday night in front of a record crowd for a women’s game at Windsor Park in Belfast.
Kenny shielsh blames concerning to England on ’emotional’ women
England’s women took the lead through Lauren Hemp in the 26th minute, before doubling their lead shortly after half-time through Ella Toone. Three more goals then followed in the space of 20 minutes to make it 5-0.
Shiels blamed England’s quick flurry of goals on the notion that women are more emotional than men.
“I thought they were struggling a wee bit at times to open us up until the psychology of going two up.
“In the women’s game, I’ve noticed, as I’m sure you’re aware, if you go through the patterns, when a team concedes a goal they concede a second one in a very very short period of time.
“Right through the whole spectrum of the women’s game, because girls and women are more emotional than men. So, they take a goal going in not very well.”
The comments came on a historic night for Northern Irish football, with a record attendance of 15,348 fans at Windsor Park.
Shiels’ comments have been criticised for obvious reasons. Journalist Flo Lloyd-Hughes highlighting the fact that he has previously opted out of post-match media duties because they made him ’emotionally imbalanced.’
In contrast, England boss Sarina Wiegman praised her side’s ‘mature’ performance that saw the Lionesses maintain their five-point lead at the top of their qualifying group, as well as sustaining their strong defensive record.
“The result is great,” said Wiegman. “I’m really happy with 5-0. I thought it was a mature performance from us. I think we dominated the game as well.”
