The head coach of the United States women's team has hit back at critics of her tactical analysis segment on ITV's World Cup coverage, after the broadcaster was forced to tweak the format following a sexism row.
Emma Hayes, the former Chelsea women manager, has been delivering analysis during the three-minute hydration breaks in each half, using a chalkboard and video clips. During England's 4-2 win over Croatia, viewers noticed the segment was set in a kitchen-like backdrop with a basic board, prompting accusations of sexism.
“Emma Hayes defended her ITV World Cup analysis segment after a sexism row over its 'kitchen-like' set.”
ITV inadvertently found themselves at the centre of the storm, with many pointing out that the set did not help Hayes get her points across. By the time Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in the early hours of Saturday, the broadcaster had made a subtle change: Hayes was equipped with blue and white counters, and the camera shot was narrowed to exclude the kitchen backdrop from their Brooklyn set.
Hayes has continued with the segment, defending her work. The highly respected coach insisted her analysis adds a new dimension to ITV's coverage, despite the backlash. She returned for Brazil's victory with the tweaked format, seemingly undeterred by the controversy.
ITV have not commented on the changes, but the alteration suggests the broadcaster listened to criticism. Whether the new setup will silence detractors remains to be seen, as Hayes prepares for more hydration break analysis in the knockout stages.