Simon Jordan defends Graeme Souness over controversial ‘it’s a man’s game’ comments

Simon Jordan has defended Graeme Souness over the controversial comments the Scotsman made in the aftermath of Sunday’s clash between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. 

The derby between the two London rivals erupted into chaos after the final whistle after Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel shared a unsavoury handshake, resulting in both managers being shown a red card by referee Anthony Taylor. 

It followed another bust up that happened during the game, after Conte was seen celebrating in Tuchel’s face after Spurs’ equaliser. 

After the match, whilst working on Sky Sports as a pundit, Souness made some controversial comments. 

He said: “Referees are letting a lot more go and it makes for a better watch. We’ve all played the game, with simulation and people throwing themselves into the ground. 

“I haven’t seen that in the two games today. It’s a man's game all of a sudden now.” 

Graeme Souness said 'It's a man's game' talking about football... whilst sat on a panel with a woman
pic.twitter.com/BNMBzOgw6Y

— 🇸🇴 (@defact0_) August 14, 2022

He referred to the sport as ‘a man’s game’ whilst sat next to former England women’s international Karen Carney. On the back of his comments, Souness came under intense criticism. 

Lionesses player Bethany England, who was part of the Euro 2022 winning squad blasted Souness on Twitter. 

She said: ““It’s a man’s game” “Men at it” Get in the bin, what a disgraceful thing to say after the summer this country has just seen.”

“It’s a man’s game”
“Men at it”

Get in the 🗑 what a disgraceful thing to say after the summer this country has just seen.

— Bethany England (@Bethany_Eng15) August 14, 2022

However, former Crystal Palace chairman, Jordan has defended Souness’ comments by replying to England. 

Jordan tweeted: “Oh dear, is this what it’s come down to ..

“A man describing a game featuring men can’t apparently use the word men or man in conjugation with a game that featured solely men! 

“Get over yourself, you do equality and injustice!” 

Oh dear 👇

Is this what it’s come down to ..

A man describing a game featuring men can’t apparently use the word men or man in conjugation with a game that featured solely men !

Get over yourself, you do equality and injustice ! https://t.co/bBKO5oG3Or

— Simon Jordan (@Sjopinion10) August 15, 2022

As expected, Jordan’s response did not go down well as he faced criticism of his own. 

One fan replied: “You 100% know that when people say "it's a man's game" they are talking about football In general, not just the game they are watching so stop trying to be all edgy.”

Another added: “Care to explain his “it’s a man game?” Comment then? It’s not a man or boys game, it’s a game for everyone. His comment was derogatory and undermines the equality that the Euro 2022 was meant to kick start.” 

A third fan said: “If it’s a man’s game, is Karen Carney not welcome then? Awful choice of words.” 

Souness has since had a say on his comments, he said on talkSPORT: “I said we had our game back, it’s the kind of football I remember playing in. Our league will be better for it.”

“I said we had our game back, it’s the kind of football I remember playing in.”

“It was a throwback and I think our game will be better for it.”

Graeme Souness addresses his ‘man’s game’ comments on yesterday’s action. pic.twitter.com/hEMMB0tGOL

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 15, 2022

He added: “It was a throwback and I think our game will be better for it.” Souness also said that he doesn't regret a single word when asked by presenter Jim White.