‘I get a lot of direct messages during a game and obviously I don’t read them,” Lucy Ward says as, in her role as one of the most astute voices in English football, she explains the ritual abuse that stalks her and other women working in the men’s game.
Ward’s consistent excellence meant that she was chosen as BT Sport’s co-commentator during the pivotal Premier League game of this season, when Manchester City blitzed Arsenal in April to virtually ensure they would become champions again. But rather than allowing Ward’s vast experience and knowledge of football to enhance the experience of watching such an important match, many men sent her venomous messages.
