Former Match of the Day presenter Des Lynam, 81, has sparked controversy by suggesting that female pundits are not qualified to speak about the men’s game, citing their lack of experience playing at the top level.

Lynam, who presented the BBC’s football show between 1988 and 1999, made the comments in a recent interview, just months after Joey Barton’s scathing attacks on women working in men’s football.

While Lynam expressed no issue with female presenters, he raised concerns over female pundits, claiming they haven’t played at the level they are speaking about. This is not the first time Lynam has been critical of female pundits, having previously referred to the female voice as “grating” and “not so attractive for actual commentating” in 2012.

Lynam’s comments sparked backlash on social media, with many labeling him as “out of touch” and in need of moving with the times. His views on female pundits could cause controversy once again, given the uproar following Joey Barton’s scathing attack on female pundits.

Joey Barton (pictured left) has been vocal about the role of female pundits in the men’s game

Speaking in a recent interview, Lynam said: “I’ve got no gripe with female presenters, but when you’re a pundit and you’re offering opinions about the game, you have to have played it at the level you are talking about – i.e., the men’s game.”

Lynam’s views on female pundits have sparked outrage on social media, with many labeling him as “out of touch” and in need of moving with the times. His comments have also drawn comparisons to Joey Barton’s scathing attack on female pundits, who suggested that women shouldn’t be talking with any kind of authority in the men’s game.

Meanwhile, Lynam also shared his thoughts on Gary Lineker’s salary at the BBC, saying that while it’s difficult to justify his high earnings compared to those of nurses and firefighters, it’s the market rate for top talent.

Barton has been particularly vocal about Eni Aluko’s involvement in the men’s side of the game

Lynam also shared his thoughts on Gary Lineker’s (pictured above) salary at the BBC

According to the BBC’s reports in July 2023, Lineker was paid between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999 for work including Match Of The Day, coverage of the World Cup 2023, and Sports Personality Of The Year.

Zoe Ball was the broadcaster’s second-highest paid talent, and the highest-paid woman, with a salary of £980,000 – £984,999 for her Radio 2 breakfast show and a Radio 2 tribute to Terry Wogan.

Lineker first topped the list for 2017/18 with a pay bracket of £1,750,000 to £1,759,999, and in 2020, it was announced he had taken a voluntary pay cut. His earnings remain static despite his huge Twitter row earlier this year.