The Scottish Football Writers Association have apologised after guests walked out during a speech at their annual awards dinner.
BBC and Sky presenter Eilidh Barbour was among guests who left the gala dinner in Glasgow in protest.
Barbour tweeted she had “never felt so unwelcome in the industry.”
The SFWA has apologised for any offence caused and announced a review of the format will be carried out.
Never felt so unwelcome in the industry I work in than sitting at the Scottish Football Writers Awards. A huge reminder there is still so much to do in making our game an equal place #callitout #equalgame
— Eilidh Barbour 💙🤍 (@EilidhBarbour) May 8, 2022
The move also comes after journalist and author Gabriella Bennett, who was at the bash, told BBC Radio Scotland’s Lunchtime Live programme she heard misogynistic comments and her table decided to leave after hearing an “offensive racial slur.”
Bennett said: “My table stood up to leave and I saw Eilidh Barbour and people on her table stand up to leave – but it’s also worth pointing out there were lots of people laughing at these jokes.
“We were two tables in an enormous room and lots of people found it really funny.”
Former Scotland international Leanne Crichton, who was also at the dinner, said she left the event feeling “disheartened”.
She said: “I don’t think it was reflective of everyone who was in the room, and there are lots of positive strides.
“There’s still a long way to go and I think last night was a stark reminder of that, and how far we still have to go.”
SFWA will carry out review of format
The SFWA released a statement following Barbour’s tweet.
It read: “The Scottish Football Writers’ Association apologises to anyone offended or upset by material from one of our after-dinner speakers at last night’s annual awards dinner.
“We have agreed unanimously that this will act as a catalyst to review and improve the format of our future events to make it an enjoyable and inspirational event for all.”
Women in Football and Kick It Out released a joint statement calling for change following the the incident.
It read: “Women face sexism and misogyny in society, and this is often exacerbated when they play a role in football and other sports – whether they’re a player, a pundit or a fan. That must change.
“Racism and homophobia continue to be a stain on the game, and we must continue to challenge it and eradicate it.
There is no place for any form of discrimination, in sport or anywhere else.”
Our joint statement with @kickitout on events at the Scottish Football Writers' Awards last night ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7dgRhZj3JD
— Women in Football (@WomeninFootball) May 9, 2022
Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon was named player of the year at the dinner with Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou taking the manager of the year accolade.
Aberdeen’s Calvin Ramsay collected the young player award, with Manchester City’s Caroline Weir the winner of the inaugural women’s international player of the year.
