The Football Association has announced it is “seeking observations” from Sunderland over comments manager David Moyes made to a female reporter last month.
Moyes has expressed his regret and apologised to BBC reporter Vicki Sparks after saying “you might get a slap, even though you’re a woman” following their Premier League game with Burnley.
The Black Cats boss said the club’s hierarchy were aware of the comment at the time but the FA will speak to Sunderland and Moyes to get his version of events.
After Sparks asked the Scot if there was added pressure on him to due owner Ellis Short’s presence at the game in March, Moyes said “no, none at all” on camera, but shortly afterwards made his feelings known about the line of questioning.
He told Sparks: “It was getting a wee bit naughty at the end there so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap, even though you’re a woman. Careful the next time you come in.”
Ahead of Sunderland’s crucial clash with Leicester on Tuesday, with his side bottom of the league and eight points adrift of safety with nine games to go, Moyes said: “It was in the heat of the moment
“I deeply regret the comments I made. It’s certainly not the person I am and I accept it was a mistake. I’ve spoken to the BBC reporter who accepted my apology and hopefully we can now move on.”