ITV Blasted After 'Outrageous' Emma Hayes Clip During England v Croatia

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ITV have been slammed after a clip of Emma Hayes during the World Cup clash between England and Croatia went viral on social media.

England got their 2026 World Cup campaign off to a flying start as they beat Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The Three Lions put in perhaps the best performance of the tournament so far as they won 4-2, with Harry Kane (2), Jude Belliingham and Marcus Rashford all on the scoresheet.

Those tuning into the match in the United Kingdom watched it on ITV. While fans of the Three Lions were happy with their team's performance and the result, many weren't impressed with Hayes' segment during the game.

Due to the scorching temperatures in North America at this time of year, each game features two hydration breaks. These breaks, which take place midway through both halves, allow players to go to the sidelines and take on water to combat the heat. The breaks last for a few minutes before play resumes.

Broadcasters deal with the breaks in their own way. Some broadcasters, including Fox, have taken the opportunity to cut to advertisements, while others stay with the coverage.

ITV have used the hydration breaks as an opportunity to deliver extra analysis. Emma Hayes, manager of the United States Women's National Team, has been doing that for some games shown on ITV.

She was praised for her analysis during the hydration break in the game between Spain and Cape Verde. She again delivered some fascinating insight while players took on water during the match between England and Croatia.

However, many fans watching at home in the United Kingdom weren't impressed with where she was delivering the insight from. The segment has sparked a sexism row, with some football fans not happy that she was in what they believed to be a 'kitchen.'

TV presenter Cristo Foufas wrote on X: "I’m not sure ITV are massively advancing the idea of women’s equality in football by having Emma Hayes give her analysis from a set which looks like she’s stuck in a kitchen?"

His post has gone viral, attracting over 1k comments, 1.5k shares, 29k 'likes' and 1.2 million views.

One TV source told the Daily Mail: "Can you imagine ITV putting Gary Neville on a set like that? No chance that would happen. It is hugely embarrassing".

Sports journalist Michael Hincks wrote in the i newspaper: "ITV positioned Hayes in a corner of their New York studio, which admittedly resembled a kitchen, and that only fed the trolls for an easy pile-on. It felt naive from ITV, hung Hayes out to dry, and surely is changed going forward at this World Cup."

Another viewer said: “Why the hell have they got Emma Hayes doing her analysis from a kitchen! It’s outrageous. It just needs a kettle and toaster in the background. Does nothing for the place of women in the game. Hayes is superb. Pioneer. Totally demeaning.”

Presenter Dan Walker also had his say, saying it looked as if she was writing 'specials on a bistro chalkboard.'

Some have even used AI to edit an image of Emma Hayes, with some adding a sink, tap, piles of washing up, tea towels and even an ironing board.

ITV have not yet addressed the backlash.