Scottish Football Writers’ Association issue apology after guests walk out over speaker
The Scottish Football Writers’ Association has issued an apology after Sunday night’s ceremony was blighted by a speaker, who allegedly made homophobic and racially insensitive comments.
Keynote speaker Bill Copeland has since been removed from the roster of talent agency XSP Entertainments. His profile page has also been taken down after Copeland made the alleged remarks.
Copeland, a former lawyer and professional after dinner speaker, is understood to have used sexist and homophobic language. He also used racially insensitive language when referring to Celtic’s Asian footballers.
His comments saw numerous people leave the awards dinner early in Glasgow on Sunday night.
It prompted BBC and Sky Sports presenter Eilidh Barbour to tweet: (I have) never felt so unwelcome in the industry I work in than sitting at the Scottish Football Writers Awards.
“A huge reminder there is still so much to do in making our game an equal place.”
Gabriella Bennett, the co-chair of Women in Journalism Scotland, replied: “I was at these awards tonight. And sat through the same sexist and racist jokes made by a keynote speaker.
“My table walked out at the same time Eilidh’s did.”
Never felt so unwelcome in the industry I work in than sitting at the Scottish Football Writers Awards. A huge reminder there is still so much to do in making our game an equal place #callitout #equalgame
— Eilidh Barbour ? (@EilidhBarbour) May 8, 2022
Scottish Football Writers’ Association statement
In response, the SFWA said in a statement: “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 Women In Football network added in a statement: “We have been made aware of sexist, racist and homophobic remarks made at the Scottish Football Writers’ Awards last night, during an after-dinner speech.
“Racism and homophobia continue to be a stain on the game. And we must continue to challenge it and eradicate it. There is no place for any form of discrimination, in sport or anywhere else.”
Sir Alex Ferguson was among the attendees at the ceremony, where he was presented with the SFWA’s Lifetime Achievement award.
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