Women in Football, a network of professional women working in and around football, has urged the English Football Association to "educate" managers after David Moyes threatened to "slap" a female reporter at the end of an interview.

Sunderland boss Moyes took offence to Radio Five Live reporter Vicki Sparks' question in a post-match interview on 18 March. Sparks had asked Moyes whether the presence of the club owner Ellis Short at the game meant his job was under threat.

The cameras were still recording when Moyes made the remarks to the reporter after the interview. He said: "It was getting a wee bit naughty at the end there, so just watch yourself.

"You still might get a slap even though you're a woman. Careful the next time you come in."

On Monday (3 April) Moyes spoke about the incident at his media conference, saying he "deeply regretted" the comments, claiming the outburst was in the “heat of the moment”, but dismissed claims that he should lose his job as Sunderland manager.

Widespread outrage followed the sexist outburst.

A statement released by Women in Football read: "We are deeply disappointed and concerned by the threatening language used by Sunderland manager David Moyes towards BBC reporter, Vicki Sparks.

"We are calling on the FA to help educate football managers against this type of behaviour."

A spokesperson of the group added: "We are pleased that David Moyes has apologised. No one should be made to feel threatened in the workplace for simply doing their job.

"We hope that the football authorities will work with us to educate football managers and those working within the game to prevent this kind of behaviour."

In a WIF survey conducted by Professor Sue Bridgewater and released in March 2016, 61% of respondents had witnessed sexism in the workplace with 46% having experienced it themselves.

Moyes was also criticised by former England captain Gary Lineker, the shadow sports minister and Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, as well as charities set up to help victims of domestic abuse.

The Football Association (FA) have written to the club asking for further explanations. The FA Chairman Greg Clarke said: "It was regrettable, it was distasteful and I think it showed a complete lack of respect. And we in the game stand for respect."