Comments on female football pundits: Peter Shilton throws weight behind Kevin Keegan
Peter Shilton has expressed his support for Kevin Keegan following the controversy surrounding former England manager's remarks about female football pundits. Keegan faced widespread criticism for his comments about retired England women's players appearing on television to analyze men's games. In a statement, the 72-year-old Keegan stated, «I don't like to listen to ladies talking about the England men's team at the match because I don't think it's the same experience.
I have a problem with that.»
Lianne Sanderson, who represented the Lionesses in 50 matches between 2006 and 2015, accused Keegan of misogyny and urged him to stop making such comments. She tweeted, «He's irrelevant. But I would absolutely 'Love it' if he would shut up! Those comments are not needed.
It's a shame people feel threatened by some of us. Unlucky for those people!»
However, Peter Shilton, who played alongside Keegan during their England careers from 1972 to 1982 and holds the record for the most England caps with 125 appearances, has come to Keegan's defense. The 74-year-old former goalkeeper appeared on GB News to discuss the matter on Friday.
«I personally can see what Kevin was getting at,» Shilton explained.
«I think it's been taken out of context. I mean, he's been described as a dinosaur, but he was managing Man City in 2005, so it's not that long ago. He's a man with vast experience who managed England.
»And I think, basically, what he's trying to say is, would women play against men in the men's game? No, they wouldn't because of other obvious factors.
«And you know, should a woman who has probably been at the peak of her career in the last four or five years in the women's game be placed in front of someone who has 15 years of
