Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has been caught on camera making sexist jokes just before the post-match conference after the Socceroos’ crucial World Cup qualifying match win over Jordan.
The national coach of Australia was heard mixing German and English, talking about his wife with reporters.
“It means women should shut up in public.
“I say it to my wife at home.
“It’s a private one.”
The 64-year-old had meant the comment as a joke but quickly realised what he’d said, and bumbled his way in backtracking, before FFA press attempted to wash over the statements.
“And you are recording that one? I’m going to be the darling of all Australian housewives.”
UPDATE: Osieck has made a short statement this afternoon, apologising for his remark and stating, “It was nothing against women, complete misunderstanding. There was no seriousness in it.”
“We shouldn’t take any remark (like this) literally … If my wife knows I’ll probably be in big trouble when I get home.”
Jukes
Guest
I just saw the video, burn him at the stake. Jebus people, wtf is wrong with everyone. It was an off beat comment and was lost in translation. He said the remark in German and then translated it. I cant believe this even became a story. It was obviously said as a joke and you know those Germans, not really known for their natural humour.
Australian Rules
Guest
Please...the Germans are famous the world-over for their shrewd, off-beat sense of humour. Australia, you just got zinged!
Ralph Nadeer
Roar Rookie
Nothing to get uptight about, he was talking about German women of course. Aussie women aren't like that, are they.
The Bear
Guest
I'm not so sure. I take shots at my wife (and vice versa) all the time. I think this pretty healthy and popular way of relating to your spouse. Let's face it is it "normal" to always be so serious and polite all the bloody time ; ) I reckon it may endear him more to men and women alike. I know it has to me, nb not just saying this cos we won last night Hahah
The Bear
Guest
Ok I have seen it. On the ABC. I am still not sure why it was news worthy? Something to do with having a female PM who is going down in popularity?? I heard this "event" first on the JJJRadio.NEws at 10 am where it was reported it was In the post match (where it was actually BEFORE it). No mention of the score line in their Sport segment however...wierd. Titus, we weren't meant to hear it...i think he only needed to explain himself to the press gallery. Which I thought he did. Obviously a miscommunication. Easy situation to find yourself in...I do it every other day (almost) and English is my native tongue. As a society we should be not so quick to crucify a foreigner for such a gaffe. It's up to the media to really hear what he said, instead of running off with their "sensitivities" without fact checking. The ABC should of known better. That being said it was wise to publicly add some context (again) to the wider public. No one wants a wife beater for a NT coach, even if it is a product of the public's (ie a certain media's) imagination.
Midfielder
Guest
Was he wearing a blue tie in that sorry vid...
Titus
Guest
The thing is, there are men out there who do think that women should shut up and if they don't they will make them. I have no doubt that Holger was mucking about and that he has a lot of respect for women but it is not something you want to hear your national coach joking about. I am glad he offered a speedy and sincere apology.
Simon
Guest
MAN I AM DIEING I THINK I'M JUST GOING TO AVOID THE MEDIA AND JUST WATCH PURE SPORT
Robbie
Roar Pro
A misunderstanding no doubt exacerbated by the language barrier. No reason to crucify him, he has apologised for his actions. Osieck always likes to keep the mood light-hearted but its hard when the media don't like to feel the same way
The Bear
Guest
I'm in two minds. Do I watch a private moment that was shared between a jubilant Coach with some pressure taken off making small talk to his press gallery? Or do I just go on about my business and hope whatever was said was in the spirit of the moment (whatever that moment was). Either way I'll leave it to Osiek and FFA to examine their conduct.
Ballymore
Guest
If you are offended, drinking cement could be the answer. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
micka
Guest
Pretty poor but I've heard worse from women about themselves. Hardly a story.
Wilson Flatley
Roar Rookie
What a beat up, who cares
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Fair dinkum, the world - or, is it just Australian media - has gone mad.
josh
Roar Rookie
Still a non-event.
Titus
Guest
Could well be, unfortunately he told the "in-joke" to a press conference where he was miked up and being recorded.
pete4
Guest
Holger obviously shouldn't have mentioned it and but then again English isn't his 1st language either
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Com' on, Germans DO have a sense of humour !!! sort of.
josh
Roar Rookie
Wasn't it an in-joke with his wife? Dead set the media needs kick right up the bracket.
Johnno
Guest
Sack Holger. Not even Pim made blunder's.