Former Manchester United and Scotland striker Alan Brazil sparked controversy this morning after claiming people around the world are “not bothered” about women’s football.
The talkSPORT host made the comments when responding to co-presenter Shebahn Aherne, who had been discussing United’s bid to get the club back on track under the Ineos Group.
Reports yesterday claimed United have formulated two plans, labelled ‘Mission 21’ for the men and ‘Mission 1’ for the women. But Brazil said people would only be interested in the men’s side.
Speaking this morning, he said: “With the greatest respect, when you talk about Manchester United…women’s football is getting more important now, but when you talk about Manchester United, this is the men’s we’re talking about, the Premier League when we’re talking about mission impossible, not the women’s.”
Aherne objected but Brazil continued: “It isn’t [a priority]. I’m sorry, people around the world are not bothered. It is true. They’re not [bothered]. Within the bigger picture, they’re not.
“No, the bigger picture is fans want to see Manchester United in the Premier League challenging. That’s the bigger picture. It [women’s football] is not that important compared to the bigger picture. I’m not going to sit here and lie because it’s not.”
As Brazil raised his voice as if to emphasise his point, Ahern said: “Al stop being like that. You sound like a proper dinosaur. I don’t know why you’re speaking like that.”
Alan Brazil showing himself to be dinosaur he truly is and TalkSport openly allowing this to be his behaviour.
The man has a grand daughter and that’s his opinion on the women’s game. Football is for everyone. Not just men.
Shame on him. pic.twitter.com/2gLL7ns9As
— Callum (@_callumstone) February 6, 2025
It’s not the first time, the outspoken Brazil has hit the headlines for the wrong reasons.
“How’s Bob’s health?”
The day after a gala night in tribute to late comedian Bob Monkhouse, Brazil interviewed TV critic Garry Bushell live on air about the event.
“Garry, how was Bob’s health last night?” Brazil enquired.
“He died, Alan,” came Bushell’s stunned reply.
“Oh, I’d heard two versions,” said Brazil, bizarrely.
Dismissed before being reinstated
Brazil was sacked by talkSPORT in 2004 after failing to turn up for work one morning having been at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Scot was absent for three weeks before being reinstated having given the station “certain legal undertakings”.
Robin Williams suicide
In 2014 he was heavily criticised for saying he had “little sympathy” for actor Robin Williams, who committed suicide after a long battle with depression.
Brazil said at the time: “I believe he’s got a daughter as well, what’s she feeling like this morning?
“Now she’s got to sort the arrangements out. I think it’s shocking, I really do. I don’t have a lot of sympathy, I’m sorry.
“It might be [harsh] but that’s the way I feel.
“What you leave behind is diabolical, I’m really annoyed about that.”
Sandy Warr row
Brazil was cleared by broadcast regulator Ofcom after accusations he bullied newsreader Sandy Warr live on air.
Warr stormed out of the studio after being accused by Brazil of being “Jeremy Corbyn’s niece”.
“Women’s football is not my cup of tea”
It is not the first time Brazil has outlined his disdain for women’s football.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail in October 2020, he said: “I know people call me a dinosaur but I’m a happy dinosaur. I don’t see a problem in being laddish. There are many people out there who think I’m too old, too manly, too white. But if a radio broadcaster is bringing in listeners, that really should be all that counts.
“If someone asked me if I’d watch 90 minutes of women’s football, I’d say no. Good luck to women footballers and anyone who wants to watch them play, but it’s just not my cup of tea.
“What irritates me is that most people I speak to think the same but are too afraid to say it.”
