Alan Brazil branded 'dinosaur' by talkSPORT colleague during fiery on-air row over women's football

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Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 06/02/2025

- 15:45

The talkSPORT host insisted fans are not bothered about Manchester United's women's team

TalkSPORT host Alan Brazil sparked controversy after claiming football fans "are not bothered" about Manchester United's women's team during a heated on-air exchange.

The 65-year-old former Scotland international clashed with co-host Shebahn Aherne during Thursday morning's breakfast show whilst discussing Manchester United's future plans.


The row erupted when Aherne suggested that securing silverware for United's women's team should be a priority, leading to Brazil's dismissive response about the importance of women's football.

Aherne branded her colleague a "proper dinosaur" during the fiery debate.

Alan Brazil

Alan Brazil and Shebahn Aherne clashed live on air over women's football

talkSPORT

Brazil dismissed the importance of women's football at Manchester United, stating: "With the greatest respect, when you talk about Manchester United... this is the men's we're talking about, the Premier League when we're talking about mission impossible, not the women's."

When challenged, the presenter doubled down on his stance.

"I'm sorry, people around the world are not bothered. It is true. They're not [bothered]. Within the bigger picture, they're not," Brazil insisted.

He further emphasised: "The bigger picture is fans want to see Manchester United in the Premier League challenging.

"That's the bigger picture. It's not that important compared to the bigger picture. I'm not going to sit here and lie because it's not."

Aherne immediately confronted Brazil's comments, saying: "Al, stop being like that. You sound like a proper dinosaur this morning. I don't know why you're being like that."

Brazil refused to back down, responding: "You're kidding yourself on."

A visibly frustrated Aherne then referenced Brazil's personal connection to women's football, stating: "That's unbelievable from you.

Alan Brazil

Neither Alan Brazil or Shebahn Aherne backed down as Gabriel Agbonlahor sat awkwardly in the middle

talkSPORT

"You're the one with the granddaughter playing football, listen to yourself. Right now that's important."

The exchange unfolded as fellow presenter Gabby Agbonlahor watched on in stunned silence.

The controversy follows recent comments from Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe about the club's priorities.

In an interview with United We Stand, Ratcliffe addressed perceptions about the women's team, stating: "There's only so much that you can do and our focus has been on the men's team."

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He explained: "If not, you get spread too thinly.

"We need to sort out the main issue – the men's team. The women's team is an opportunity."

The comments came after sporting director Dan Ashworth's departure, which reportedly left the women's team 'deflated'.

United's women currently sit second in the WSL, while the men's team languishes in 13th place in the Premier League.

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