Vicki Sparks is a British sports journalist and football commentator for BBC Sport and BT Sport. She has reported for Final Score and BBC Radio 5 Live.[1] She also regularly covers women's football for the BBC.[2]

In March 2017, after a post-match interview, Sunderland manager David Moyes took issue at one of Sparks' questions to him and said “You were just getting a wee bit naughty at the end there, so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap even though you’re a woman. Careful the next time you come in.” In June, The Football Association fined him £30,000 for "improper and threatening remarks".[3]

Sparks was part of the BBC's team covering the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. On 20 June of that year, she became the first woman to commentate on a live World Cup match on British television, BBC One's coverage of Portugal's 1–0 victory over Morocco in Group B in Saransk.[1] Sparks and female pundits Eniola Aluko and Alex Scott were subjected to online criticism, and former player Jason Cundy said her voice was too high-pitched for commentary, while other figures such as Jacqui Oatley and Piers Morgan praised them and said that the criticism was due to sexism.[4][5][6] Sparks has also guested on the BBC show Fighting Talk.[7]

In July 2023, she was announced to be commentating for the BBC at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.[8] In November 2023, she was nominated in the Commentator of the Year category at the Football Supporters' Association awards.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b Seddon, Sean (20 June 2018). "Newcastle commentator Vicki Sparks makes history at World Cup 2018". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  2. ^ Rodger, James (20 June 2018). "Who is Vicki Sparks? BBC One commentator makes history during Portugal vs Morocco World Cup 2018 match". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  3. ^ "David Moyes fined £30,000 by FA for 'slap' comment towards journalist". The Guardian. Press Association. 9 June 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  4. ^ Ridge, Sophy. "Sky Views: Stop moaning about female football pundits". Sky Sports. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  5. ^ Singh, Anita (25 June 2018). "Jason Cundy: women's voices are too high for football commentary". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  6. ^ Smit, Sarah (25 June 2018). "Women take on football's 'sexist pigs' in the battle for World Cup screen time". Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  7. ^ "BBC Radio 5 live - Fighting Talk - Episode guide".
  8. ^ "Women's World Cup: Gabby Logan, Reshmin Chowdhury and Alex Scott to lead BBC TV coverage". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  9. ^ "FSA Awards 2023: Vote now!". thefsa.org. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
Categories