Sexism row as Man City comms chief banned from tunnel
Following Manchester City’s clash with Notts County in the FA Cup, City’s chief communications officer Vicky Kloss was refused access to the players’ tunnel as she tried to brief manager Roberto Mancini and his players for post-match interviews.
A security guard stopped the comms chief in line with Notts County’s policy that the players’ tunnel is off limits to women, as men might be getting changed in the area.
The fresh row on sexism in professional football comes just days after Sky Sports parted company with Andy Gray and Richard Keys due to sexist remarks.
Manchester City is to complain to Notts County with regards to the treatment of Kloss, with a spokesperson for Manchester City saying: “Vicky was denied access to the tunnel on the grounds that she was a woman. The club had received a very warm welcome from Notts County but we will be writing to them as a result of this incident.”
The row erupted just before the final whistle as Kloss tried to join colleague Simon Heggie who was in the tunnel waiting for the players. A security guard who had tried to prevent her gaining access before the game was reportedly heard by witnesses to say: “I thought I told you – no women allowed.”
A scuffle then ensued in which Heggie was pinned against a wall and, following a further furious row, Kloss was finally allowed down the tunnel.
Notts County has confirmed an internal investigation is underway into the incident, but has denied sexism.