ITV accused of sexism after female pundit Emma Hayes aired with 'kitchen' behind her
ITV has been accused of sexism for presenting female pundit Emma Hayes on a set that looks like a 'kitchen' during England's World Cup opener.
England got off to a roaring start in their World Cup campaign, beating old foes Croatia 4-2 in Dallas, Texas, thanks to a Harry Kane double and goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.
For the millions of England fans back home, instead of in the AT&T Stadium, the match was shown on ITV 1 and the broadcaster has come in for some criticism for how it presented Emma Hayes' segment.
The USA Women's National team manager is one of just two women - along with 2025 Strictly Come Dancing winner Karen Carney - on ITV's 11-person strong punditry team for the tournament and some viewers believe she was made to look as if she was 'stuck in a kitchen' during her tactical analysis segment.
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Emma Hayes made to look like 'she's stuck in a kitchen'
England fans loudly booed the mandated hydration breaks during each half of the match, with the game forced to stop for three minutes despite the stadium being temperature-controlled to 22°C.
While fans in attendance were forced to watch the 22 players have a drink and receive instructions from their managers, ITV has come up with a creative solution to fill the time.
During the stop in play, ITV has started cutting back from the stadium to their New York studio, where experienced manager Hayes offers tactical analysis of the match.
However, some viewers have been left unimpressed with the old school chalkboard Hayes is using for the segments, while others believe it looks like she has been put in a 'kitchen.'
Taking to X, one user said: "I’m not sure ITV are massively advancing the idea of women’s equality in football by having Emma Hayes give her analysis from a set which looks like she’s stuck in a kitchen?"
Another said: "Great analysis from Emma Hayes but why is she in a kitchen with a blackboard? Pure misogyny."
"ITV got this badly wrong," another wrote on social media. "Emma Hayes is one of the most accomplished football coaches in the world.
"Yet was analysing a World Cup match from a set that looked more like a kitchen than a football studio. Would Guardiola or Mourinho have been presented in the same way? I think not."
Those thoughts were echoed in another post, which read: "I think Emma Hayes is very good at explaining the tactics during the hydration breaks but why the f**k have they put her in a kitchen-like set up?"
TV presenter Dan Walker offered his opinion, too, writing: "I really like Emma Hayes and I think she’s an insightful pundit.
"I’m not sure why they have decided to make it look like she’s writing the specials on a bistro chalkboard!
"I really want to know what’s in those cupboards. Come on England.
In contrast, there was also plenty of praise for the segment, with many viewers loving Hayes' astute insights into the match.
"Emma Hayes is an excellent pundit," one X user said. "She's intelligent and incredibly knowledgeable. I enjoy listening to her tactical analysis. Keep up the good work Emma.
Another user added: "Emma Hayes was more insightful than any of the male pundits for the England game. Put some respect on Emma Hayes' name, her understanding of football is excellent."
LADbible has approached ITV and Emma Hayes for comment.
Daniel Murphy