Football fans rally around female commentator over sexist abuse online

Fans are rallying behind former international Nia Jones after she faced sexist abuse after co-commentating on Wales' World Cup play-off semi-final defeat in Cardiff.

Jones was sitting alongside main commentator Simon Davies for BBC Wales' live coverage on Thursday as Wales lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties.

One angry male fan wrote a post on Facebook asking why she "can't just do the women's football".

But most comments came to her defence, with one saying "Grow up." A woman responded, saying: "What an irresponsible comment. You're entitled to your opinion. Just be cautious where you air it."

The post, shared on the Wales Football Fans Facebook group, read: "Do I turn to S4C, turn the sound right down on BBC1, or suffer this woman commentator? Why can't she just do the Women's football?"

It drew more than 100 comments, many condemning the remark.

One man wrote: "Grow up, you clown. She's a better anything than you", while another woman questioned what his issue was with women.

A further comment read: "How do I mute, noisy, self-entitled men on this chat.

"You know the ones who have nothing to say about football, they just need some attention."

However, not all responses were supportive.

One man wrote: "Same here, women are taking over every sports channel, they are presenting every sport there is, now we have listen to the uninformed screeching in our sport."

The original poster later responded to another abusive comment, saying he "doesn't care if people call me a misogynist, she's never played men's football".

Jones, from Wrexham, represented Wales internationally in both football and netball, earning 30 caps in football and 70 in netball.

She captained Wales at the 2023 Netball World Cup in South Africa.

As a footballer, Jones played for Cardiff City, Reading, and Yeovil Town.

In August 2024, she retired from netball after Cardiff Dragons did not offer her a contract for the 2024–25 season.

Shortly after, she signed a semi-professional contract with Swansea City Women, having left Pontypridd United Women at the end of the previous season.

In July 2025, Swansea announced that Jones was one of seven players leaving the club.

Since then, Jones has become a regular media presence, appearing on BBC, Sky Sports, and S4C.

She frequently works as a co-commentator for Wales men's football games, providing expert analysis and tactical insights.

This is not the first time women in football have faced criticism.

Ex-England international Eni Aluko has endured sexist and misogynistic online abuse since making history and becoming the first woman to be a pundit on Match of the Day in 2014.

Last year, former Manchester City captain Joey Barton was found guilty of sending "grossly offensive" social media posts about her and fellow pundit Lucy Ward.

During sentencing in December 2022 , the judge described Barton's posts about Aluko, including a comparison to the serial killer Rose West, as a "racially charged and sexist attack".

Barton received a suspended six-month custodial sentence.

Aluko said she was "glad justice has been served."

TV pundit and former England defender Alex Scott also went public about the misogynistic comments she had received, stating that she intends to continue her work as a football presenter despite the abuse.

Jones has been approached for comment.