Who is Vicki Sparks? UK's first female World Cup commentator wins praise for 'making history'
Vicki Sparks made history as a World Cup commentator when she took to the mic for Portugal’s game against Morocco.
The broadcaster was the first woman to commentate live on a World Cup match in the UK.
She was the main commentator on Portugal’s second group game – which the European champions won 1-0 – alongside co-commentator Martin Keown.
Newcastle-born Sparks received widespread praise on social media for her performance afterwards.
Other World Cup fans, however, were unconvinced by her commentary.
Sparks has been a regular on BBC’s Final Score during the domestic football season, as well as BBC Radio Five Live, and often commentates on women’s football.
Sparks regularly covers the likes of Manchester United, Leicester City, Hull City and Newcastle during the regular season.
This World Cup has been refreshingly progressive for women in the industry. More history being made right now as BBC's Vicki Sparks becomes the first female lead commentator at a World Cup (on British TV) 👏🙌
— A b i g a i l (@swanabi) June 20, 2018
Well played Vicki Sparks. A little bit of history made 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻@vksparks #WorldCup
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) June 20, 2018
Vicki Sparks doesn't need defending because she's a woman.
Vicki Sparks doesn't need defending because it's the PC thing to do.
Vicki Sparks needs defending because she's an EXCELLENT commentator. No more, no less.#PORMAR #bbcworldcup
— Martin SamueI (@themartinsamuel) June 20, 2018
My daughter is a bit too young to like football yet (despite my best efforts!). But how cool is it that as she grows up she'll be in the generation where having female football commentators and pundits is the norm. Congratulations to Vicki Sparks today! #WorldCup
— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) June 20, 2018
The Portugal match was her live World Cup debut, though she did commentate over highlights of Iran’s win over Morocco last week.
Her history-making World Cup debut was not the first time Sparks has made headlines.
Last year she was caught up a sexism row with then-Sunderland boss David Moyes.
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Can’t stand this PC world we live in. Don’t give people jobs just to tick boxes. Vicki sparks is painful to listen to just shocking ruined this game 😫
— TAS🔵⚪️ (@coys100) June 20, 2018
Vicki Sparks commentating on BBC she is awful. Forced equality is cringe.
— Dell 🏴 (@agbnufc) June 20, 2018
Absolutely agree. #VickiSparks' voice is literally giving me a headache. It's got that horrid nasal, grating, nagging quality. I tried listening on 5 live but it's not synchronised. Red button for alternative commentary doesn't seem to work.
— david webb (@mrxt500) June 20, 2018
Speaking in a post-match interview, he told her: ‘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 next time you come in.’
Moyes was fined £30,000 by the Football Association and later apologised.
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