"Girls" a risky word

In British soccer, anyway

The BBC have been heavily criticised for making Robbie Fowler apologise live on air for comparing Fernando Torres and Jan Vertonghen to girls.

The former Liverpool striker was a guest on the BBC’s ‘Final Score’ football programme when he was asked about the fiery London derby at White Hart Lane between Chelsea and Arsenal.

Blues striker Torres was booked in the 52nd minute after an off-the ball scuffle, in which he appeared to scratch the defender’s face after clipping his heels for a free-kick.

In July, Liverpool issued a list of banned words which their staff were supposed to listen out for in an attempt to combat discrimination at Anfield.

The term: 'Play like a girl' was among them.

Then, with less than 10 minutes remaining, the former Liverpool man was shown a second yellow card by referee Mike Dean after supposedly leading with his elbow during an aerial challenge with the big Belgian.

Describing the incident, Fowler said: ‘They were pulling at each other like a pair of girls.’ But he was made to apologise live on air for his comments.

Hundreds of viewers immediately took to Twitter to voice their surprise that the 38-year-old was made to back-track, apologise and confirm that no offence was intended to women’s football.

Jessica Green posted: ‘Cannot believe that Robbie fowler had to apologise for what he said, world gone mad.’

James Wilson tweeted: ‘I am a big supporter of BBC and what it stands for but this is a massive low. Embarassing.’

Connor Newhall added: ‘The fact Robbie Fowler has to apologise for what he said is ridiculous #PcGoneMad.’

Eleanor Parks also posted: ‘I find it incredible that Robbie Fowler was forced to apologise on Final Score for saying that 2 players were acting like a couple of girls.’

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