The Football Association said last night it would not be taking action against Jewell, but with his comments coming 12 months after the sexist remarks made by Sky television presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray about assistant referee Sian Massey – a controversy which led to the pair losing their jobs at Sky – the Liverpudlian’s outburst has prompted an angry reaction from the refereeing community.
Leighton claimed that the former Bradford, Wigan and Derby manager has done little to help encourage more women into the game by voicing his criticism.
“The comments are clearly sexist and there is no place for them in football,” said Leighton. “They are sexist because they are based on her gender rather than on her performance as an official.
“I think these comments show that women are not fully accepted within the game at the present time and it puts unbearable pressure on female assistants and referees who are aware that, every time they step onto the pitch, they are under special scrutiny.
“That isn’t going to be something that attracts women into the game and that’s why people do need to take a view that they are not going to make foolish, sexist comments.”
In response to widespread condemnation of his remarks, Jewell issued a statement via Ipswich Town on Thursday afternoon, defending himself against accusations of sexism.
Within the statement, however, there was no admission of regret or an apology to Fearn for any offence or misunderstanding.
“I absolutely refute suggestions that my comments were made in a sexist way,” Jewell said. “The opening line from a journalist at the start of the press conference was 'I think everyone to a man thought that was a penalty and I responded by saying 'but not to a woman’, meaning the official that was on that side and didn’t give the decision.
“I didn’t suggest in any way that the official made a mistake because she was a woman. I don’t think what I said was sexist and will argue all day long with anyone that says it is.”
Referring to the follow up quote 'I thought the lineswoman, or whatever she is called,’ Jewell added: “I have said that a hundred times before about linesmen. It’s just a reference to the officials who run the line now being known as assistant referees. I have listened to the tape recording of the press conference and I’ve no problems with what I said.
“The comments have been taken out of context, which is disappointing but that seems to be the world we live in now’’”