ITV criticised for kitchen-style set with Emma Hayes

A prominent football broadcaster has been accused of sexism for placing expert pundit Emma Hayes in a studio set resembling a kitchen during its World Cup coverage. The controversy erupted during England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday, June 17, when Hayes, the head coach of the United States women's national team and a former Chelsea manager, delivered tactical analysis from a segment featuring a chalkboard affixed to a backdrop of cupboards and drawers.

The setup, part of the broadcaster's New York studio overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge, was used during the match's hydration breaks. While Hayes's analysis was widely praised for its clarity and tactical insight, the visual presentation drew immediate criticism for evoking domestic stereotypes. Critics argued that relegating the sole female lead analyst to a kitchen-esque environment, while male pundits like Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Ian Wright used a conventional presentation table, reinforced outdated and sexist tropes.

The decision sparked significant online backlash, including memes that used artificial intelligence to superimpose images of Hayes doing washing up or ironing. A television insider called the set...