SFWA apologises after Sky Sports presenter walks out of awards dinner
Eilidh Barbour is among a number of attendees who've hit out at comments made by a speaker at the football writers' awards night
Last updated 9th May 2022
The Scottish Football Writers’ Association has issued an apology after comments made by a speaker at their awards dinner sparked a backlash from many in attendance.
Sky Sports broadcaster Eilidh Barbour was among a number of people to hit out at Bill Copeland's remarks on social media. In a tweet she said “she’d never felt so unwelcome in the industry I work in” and that “there is still so much to do in making our game an equal place”.
Others showed their support for the presenter and confirmed they’d joined her table in walking out at the event following the offensive remarks made during an after-dinner speech.
Now the SFWA has released a statement saying “The Scottish Football Writers’ Association apologises to anyone offended or upset by material from one of our after-dinner speakers at last night’s annual awards dinner.
We have agreed unanimously that this will act as a catalyst to review and improve the format of our future events to make it an enjoyable and inspirational event for all.”
The event at Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow on Sunday night saw a number of awards given out; with Celtic boss Ange Postecoglu named manager of the year, Hearts’ goalkeeper Craig Gordon becoming the first ever three-time player of the year winner and Sir Alex Ferguson collecting a lifetime achievement award.