TV presenter walks out of sport awards over sexism

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A speech at an awards event caused a walk out.

Eilidh Barbour was one of the guests who left the SFWA dinner in protest.

Ms Barbour said that she had never felt so unwanted in the industry, while another guest said the jokes were sexist and racist.

The SFWA apologized to anyone offended or upset by the speech.

The format of the annual dinner has been promised to be reviewed and improved.

The man who works on the after-dinner speaking circuit made jokes in his speech.

Two tables of guests walked out in protest after they were offended.

Never felt so unwelcome in the industry I work in than sitting at the Scottish Football Writers Awards. A huge reminder there is still so much to do in making our game an equal place #callitout #equalgame

— Eilidh Barbour 💙🤍 (@EilidhBarbour) May 8, 2022

The journalist and author, who was at one of the tables, told the radio station she had heard misogynistic comments before, but that Sunday's speech was the next level.

She said that within five minutes of her speech, it was rammed with sexist jokes.

She decided to leave after hearing an offensive racial slur.

There were lots of people laughing at the jokes and Eilidh Barbour and her table stood up to leave.

We were two tables in an enormous room and a lot of people found it funny.

Ms Bennett is a member of the Women in Journalism group and she said that the incident was part of a larger problem in sports journalism where only three out of 95 staff writers are women.

She said that what those three women told them would make your hair stand on end.

Some really, really shocking testimonials from everything from intimidating atmospheres at football press boxes to sneering attitudes to women in sports.

The former Scotland international said she left the event feeling sad.

She said that it was not reflective of everyone in the room and there were lots of positive strides.

She said that last night was a stark reminder that there is still a long way to go.

The general direction of travel in the game was positive, despite the disappointing incident, according to the chief executive of Scottish Women's Football.

She said, "You think what a shame - we make great strides and then fall back a few paces as well."

For me, it's as Leanne said - people are now able to call it out. We don't want to tolerate sexism.

The interests of professional football writers in Scotland were looked after by the SWFA.

The Scottish Football Writers Association apologized to anyone offended or upset by material from one of the speakers at the awards dinner.

This will act as a catalyst to review and improve the format of our future events to make it an enjoyable and inspiring event for all.

Craig Gordon was named the SFWA's Player of the Year, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou was named the Manager of the Year, and the Women's International Player of the Year was named.