Emma Hayes paused ITV's World Cup coverage to pay a heartfelt tribute to her late dad on Father's Day while also replying to the sexist trolling she has endured
Emma Hayes delivered a moving moment during ITV's World Cup coverage of Belgium vs Iran on Sunday, honouring her late father while responding to the sexist trolling she has endured online.
The former Chelsea Women manager, now in charge of the United States women's team, has formed part of ITV's New York-based punditry panel throughout the tournament. During the contentious hydration breaks, the coach has provided tactical analysis, frequently next to a set of wooden cabinets and using a small blackboard and chalk, which has led to mocking online .
Following her most recent segment, Hayes interrupted her handover back to the live match coverage to take a moment to pay tribute to her father, Sid, who died in 2023. Commemorating Father's Day with an emotional message: "One last thing, happy Father's Day to everyone at home. I know it's a great day and it's also my father's heavenly birthday today and I want to say one thing to you dad up in heaven.
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"Thank you for giving me so much confidence to have the opportunity to do this and so I leave you with this beautiful view."
Hayes then spun around to reveal the message 'she will change the world' emblazoned on the back of her jacket. Her homage carried particular significance given her father Sid's contribution to the game.
He played a pivotal role in transforming Arsenal women into one of the nation's powerhouse clubs and in creating youth leagues in Regent's Park. Hayes' standout moment also unfolded amid a wave of criticism directed at ITV, with the broadcaster facing accusations of sexism after viewers branded her on-air treatment as 'demeaning' - requiring her to deliver tactical analysis while hunched over wooden cabinets that many felt resembled a 'kitchen. '.
Television presenter Dan Walker had previously observed: "I really like Emma Hayes and I think she's an insightful pundit. I'm not sure why they have decided to make it look like she's writing the specials on a bistro chalkboard! I really want to know what's in those cupboards."
Others were far less restrained in their criticism. "Why in the high-key misogyny is the only female pundit on ITV football broadcasting from a kitchen," one user posted on X.
A third added: "Emma Hayes is class. However, the fact that she has to explain things with chalk and a blackboard is bad," while another remarked: "They must change the presentation of Emma Hayes. Her analysis is superb. Sticking her in a kitchen with a chalkboard is setting women's football back a decade."
Throughout her analysis, ITV's main pundits remained in the primary studio, operating from a high-tech setup that provided a glaring contrast to Hayes' improvised presentation area. Despite the backlash, numerous viewers have rallied behind her following her understated response to detractors.
One posted on X: "Seems technically more knowledgeable than many of the men," while another confessed: "Had a lump in my throat watching that. What a legend." A third added: "Need more of her on football coverage. Analysis is great."
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Another pointed out: "The people saying 'main character syndrome' are showing their lack of IQ. This woman gets battered every single day by these people because she's a woman.
"Yet she still gets back up there the next day. That is the point of that message. That is what her Dad knew she could do."
ITV have since adjusted the setup - a small alteration that provides the coach with an enhanced magnetic tactics board. The camera angle was also noticeably closer on Hayes, showing considerably less of the surrounding set.
Hayes is amongst the most successful managers in the women's game, claiming seven Women's Super League titles and five FA Cups during her 12‐year stint at Chelsea. She has already tasted triumph with the United States women's team as well, leading them to gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
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