Television channels now regularly call on former footballers to intervene during broadcasts of football matches. For Kevin Keegan, this poses a certain problem.
Like Laure Boulleau or Jessica Houara-d’Hommeaux who today officiate on the group’s channels Canal+, former professional footballers now have a little more space in the mainstream media. Thanks to the recognition of their expertise, these former high-level athletes have, in some cases, become consultants. Initially confined only to women’s competitions (World Cup, Euro), some even sometimes comment on matches between men’s teams. But this last point is not appreciated by everyone.
Living legend of Liverpool with whom he notably won three English championships, two UEFA Cups (formerly C2) and a European Champions Club Cup (formerly C1), Kevin Keegan expressed a very clear opinion on female consultants officiating during matches between men. For him, it is very difficult to listen to them. According to comments reported by The Times during an evening entitled “ An Evening with Kevin Keegan OBE » (“An evening with Kevin Keegan”), the ex-footballer played it straight.
“They did not have the same experience”
“To be honest, I’m not a big fan, and it’s perhaps not an opinion that is shared. » In front of an audience of around 250 people present that evening, Kevin Keegan developed his point of view. “ I don’t like listening to women (consultants) talk about the England men’s team because I think they haven’t had the same experience. I have a problem with this. » Assuring that his remarks were in no way intended to discredit the commentators and consultants, the man who was also Manchester City coach continued.
“ The female commentators we have now, some are excellent and even better than the men. It’s a great time for women. » But returning to his main idea, Kevin Keegan added: “ If I had heard an England international, during the England (men’s) national team’s match against Scotland at Wembley, say ‘If I had been in this position, I would have done this…’, I think it’s not the same. It’s not really comparable.“
