Friday 9 June 2017 12:20, UK
Former Sunderland manager David Moyes has been fined £30,000 for his "slap" comment towards a journalist in March, the Football Association has announced.
Moyes was charged by the FA following a conversation which took place between the Scot and BBC reporter Vicki Sparks at the end of a post-match interview.
Moyes was unhappy with one of Sparks' questions and said to her: "You were just 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."
The former Manchester United boss later apologised, saying: "In the heat of the moment, I made a mistake in my comments to a BBC reporter, which I profoundly regret. I was disappointed with myself for it.
"I subsequently phoned the reporter and apologised, which she accepted. It's not my character, it's not my type, as most people know and once again I apologise for it."
The club described Moyes' conduct as "wholly unacceptable" but stood by him as he attempted - in vain - to preserve Sunderland's Premier League status.
Moyes denied the charge but the FA's independent regulatory commission upheld it.
An FA statement read: "David Moyes has been fined £30,000 in relation to comments he made after the Sunderland versus Burnley game on March 18, 2017.
"It was alleged his remarks were improper and/or threatening and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to FA rule E3(1). He denied the charge, however it was found proven following an independent regulatory commission hearing."
Moyes resigned from his role at the Stadium of Light on May 22 following Sunderland's relegation.
