An Irish women's group has hit out at the former Celtic and Leicester City boss for quipping that "uglier" partners will not be welcome in France
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has come in for crticism after joking that only "really attractive" wives and girlfriends would be welcome at his team's Euro 2016 base.
O'Neill responded with the joke after he was asked if he would follow the lead of Wales manager Chris Coleman in banning wives, girlfriends and family members from the team hotel during the early stage of the competition.
"I think it depends on how good looking the girls are really," said the Ireland boss. "If they're really attractive, they're very, very welcome.
"The uglier ones, I'm afraid not."
The quip has since been branded "s3xist" by the National Women's Council of Ireland, with director Orla O'Connor stating that Euro 2016 should be used as an oportunity to increase women's participation levels in football.
"There is no place for s3xist comments of this nature in Irish football, particularly at this level," said O'Connor.
"Interest and participation in Soccer among girls and young women is growing in Ireland.
"The Euros should be used as an opportunity to increase these participation levels, not for comments such as these."
O'Neill's comments came in the build-up to his side's Euro 2016 warm-up double-header against Switzerland and Slovakia.
- Goal