The Scottish Football Writers’ Association have apologised since
The organisers of the Scottish Football Writers’ Association gala dinner have apologised after several writers left in protest over a number of ‘sexist and racist’ jokes made on stage.
Several writers and journalists left the awards dinner early
TV presenter Eilidh Barbour was among one of a host of journalists to walk out of the event in Glasgow and she revealed on Twitter that she had “Never felt so unwelcome in the industry”.
She said: “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 #callitout #equalgame”
https://twitter.com/EilidhBarbour/status/1523414664243150852
Barbour’s thoughts were also echoed by the co-chair of the organisation Women in Journalism Scotland, Gabriella Bennett who was also at the event and heard several “sexist and racist jokes” made by a “keynote speaker”.
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 Eilidh’s did https://t.co/aEAV4VqLtn
— Gabriella Bennett (@palebackwriter) May 8, 2022
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Bennett also revealed that the distasteful jokes made by the speaker were met with laughter from members of the audience.
“I walked out after about five minutes of maybe a 20 minute speech, and within those five minutes it was rammed with sexist jokes,” she said.
“My table stood up to leave and I saw Eilidh Barbour and people on her table stand up to leave – but it’s also worth pointing out there were lots of people laughing at these jokes.
“We were two tables in an enormous room and lots of people found it really funny.”
Women in football and Kick it Out joined together to release a joint statement in which they condemned the actions of those speaking at the dinner on Sunday.
Our joint statement with @kickitout on events at the Scottish Football Writers' Awards last night ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7dgRhZj3JD
— Women in Football (@WomeninFootball) May 9, 2022
It said: “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 out support to those affected.”
The SWFA released a statement apologising for the incident
The SWFA have since released an apology on Monday and have said that they will be reviewing the events and ensure that it is a dinner for all.
It 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.”
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