Karren Brady: 'Benni McCarthy should stick to eating'

West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has hit back at former Hammers striker Benni McCarthy over comments that the striker made about women in football.

The 38-year-old South African player, who has been without a club since leaving Orlando Pirates in 2013, caused controversy last week when he told a French publication that women had no place in the sport.

He said in So Foot: "I saw so many things in my life and in football for me, it was nothing. Woman and football, it is not such a good combination."

Brady, who played a large role in the former Blackburn Rovers striker being sacked from the London club in 2011, issued an acerbic response to her former player's suggestion.

Writing in her column in The Sun, she said: "Benni McCarthy is giving the benefit of his wisdom again and I seem to be on the end of it. McCarthy was the striker we sacked because he was overweight and never scored for us.

"He now says women and football do not mix. However, women's football is improving quickly and off the field a growing number are excellent executives.

"My view is that football is lucky to have us. My other view is that McCarthy should stick with his area of expertise, which according to many is... eating."

McCarthy made just two Premier League starts for the Irons in 14 months with the club before his contract was cancelled.