Journalists walk out over ‘sexist and racist’ jokes at Scottish Football Writers’ Association awards night in Glasgow

The Scottish Football Writers’ Association (SFWA) have apologised after keynote speaker Bill Copeland was said to have made racist, sexist and homophobic comments during last night’s awards ceremony.

Several prominent journalists and broadcasters walked out of its annual awards dinner on Sunday evening after the former Criminal Defence Lawyer caused widespread anger with his remarks.

The group said it was sorry “to anyone offended or upset by material from one of our after-dinner speakers” at the awards ceremony.

Eilidh Barbour, who covers Scottish football for Sky Sports, tweeted on Sunday night: “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.”

Connie McLaughlin, a freelance broadcaster for BBC and BT Sport tweeted: “I am sad to still be having this conversation... why am I spending my night discussing why misogyny is not funny... it’s 2022! Let’s move on from this! I love Scottish football, but come on we are better than this #sfwa #callitout #equalgame.”

Gabriella Bennett, who co-chairs the training and campaigning group Women in Journalism Scotland (WIJ), confirmed on social media her table also walked out of the awards ceremony at the same time as Eilidh’s group.

She said: “I was at these awards tonight and sat through the same sexist and racist jokes made by a keynote speaker. My table walked out at the same time as Eilidh’s did.”

WIJ now state the group is about to launch a campaign in a bid to tackle “this issue of sexism and inequality in sports journalism”.

In a statement, the SFWA said: “(The) Scottish Football Writers’ Association apologises to anyone offended or upset by material from one of our after-dinner speakers at last night’s annual awards dinner.

“We have agreed unanimously that this will act as a catalyst to review and improve the format of our future events to make it an enjoyable and inspirational event for all.”

Kickitout, who have been campaigning for equality in football since 1993, released a joint statement with Women in Football on Monday afternoon.

It read: “We have been made aware of sixst, racit and homophobic remarks made at the Scottish Football Writers’ Awards last night, during an after-dinner speech.

“Women face sexism and misogyny in society, and this is often exacerbated when they play a role in football and other sports - whether they’re a player, a pundit or a fan. That must change.

“Racism and homophobia continue to be a stain on the game, and we must continue to challenge it and eradicate it. There is no place for any form of discrimination, in sport or anywhere else.

“Events that celebrate talent in our game should be a time to focus on the positives and all the people who have played their part in pushing football forward.

“It should not be used as a platform to share derogatory and discriminatory comments and make groups and communities feel excluded and insulted.

“We expect better and we demand better.

“The fact we have been made aware by those in attendance that they felt unwelcome in an industry they work in is unacceptable, and we stand with them.

“We acknowledge the apology issued by the Scottish Football Writers’ Association and look forward to their promised review of future events. In the meantime we will be reaching out to understand the full details and offer our support to those affected.”

*The Scottish Football Writers’ Association aims to look after the best interests of professional football writers in Scotland and has been doing so since its formation in 1957.