Support for Nia Jones Following Online Sexist Abuse
Former international athlete Nia Jones has received widespread support after encountering sexist abuse while co-commentating on Wales' World Cup play-off semi-final loss in Cardiff.
Jones was alongside lead commentator Simon Davies during BBC Wales' live broadcast on Thursday, as Wales were defeated by Bosnia-Herzegovina in a penalty shootout.
Following the broadcast, a male viewer posted on Facebook questioning why Jones "can't just do the women's football," expressing his displeasure with her commentary role.
The post, shared in the Wales Football Fans Facebook group, stated:
"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?"
This comment sparked over 100 responses, with the majority defending Jones and condemning the sexist remark.
One commenter responded:
"Grow up."
A female user added:
"What an irresponsible comment. You're entitled to your opinion. Just be cautious where you air it."
Another man wrote:
"Grow up, you clown. She's a better anything than you."
While a woman questioned the original poster's attitude:
"What is your issue with women?"
Additional comments criticized the negative remarks, including one stating:
"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, some responses were unsupportive. One man commented:
"Same here, women are taking over every sports channel, they are presenting every sport there is, now we have to listen to the uninformed screeching in our sport."
The original poster later replied to another abusive comment, stating he "doesn't care if people call me a misogynist, she's never played men's football."
Nia Jones' Sporting Career
Jones, hailing from Wrexham, has represented Wales internationally in both football and netball, earning 30 caps in football and 70 in netball.
She captained the Welsh team at the 2023 Netball World Cup held in South Africa.
During her football career, Jones played for clubs including Cardiff City, Reading, and Yeovil Town.
In August 2024, Jones retired from netball after Cardiff Dragons did not offer her a contract for the 2024–25 season.
Shortly after her netball retirement, 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 City announced that Jones was among seven players departing the club.
Media Career and Role as Commentator
Since leaving professional sports, Jones has become a regular media figure, appearing on BBC, Sky Sports, and S4C.
She frequently serves as a co-commentator for Wales men's football matches, offering expert analysis and tactical insights.
Context of Sexism in Football Commentary
This incident is part of a broader pattern of criticism faced by women in football media roles.
Former England international Eni Aluko has endured sexist and misogynistic abuse online since becoming the first female pundit on Match of the Day in 2014.
In 2022, former Manchester City captain Joey Barton was found guilty of sending "grossly offensive" social media posts targeting Aluko and fellow pundit Lucy Ward.
During sentencing in December 2022, the judge described Barton's posts about Aluko, which included a comparison to serial killer Rose West, as a "racially charged and sexist attack." Barton received a suspended six-month custodial sentence.
Aluko expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating she was "glad justice has been served."
Similarly, TV pundit and former England defender Alex Scott has publicly addressed the misogynistic comments she has received, affirming her commitment to continue working as a football presenter despite the abuse.
Jones has been approached for comment regarding the recent online abuse.
