Martin O’Neill under fire over ‘sexist’ remark

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill landed himself in hot water at a press conference in the Aviva Stadium yesterday with an ill-judged attempt at humour.

Asked if he would follow the example of Wales manager Chris Coleman in banning players’ wives and girlfriends from the team base at this summer’s European Championship Finals in France , the Ireland manager replied: “Well, it depends on how good looking the girls are.

“If they are really attractive, they’re very, very welcome. The uglier ones, I’m afraid not.”