Angers coach resigns after sexist comments

Tue, Mar 7, 2023
Other News (AP)

ANGERS, France (AP) - Angers coach Abdel Bouhazama resigned after making sexist comments, the last-placed French league club said on Tuesday.

Bouhazama reportedly made inappropriate comments while addressing the situation of a player accused of unwanted sexual touching. This was in the buildup to losing 5-0 to Montpellier on Sunday.

Angers insisted Bouhazama thought about resigning before the comments became public.

"A controversy arose on Monday after comments, taken out of context, held during the pre-game talk, were leaked to the local and national press," Angers said in a statement. "Faced with media pressure, and to preserve the image of the club and the serenity of the locker room, Abdel Bouhazama announced to President Said Chabane that he had decided to leave his position as coach of the professional team."

Angers condemned Bouhazama's remarks.

"The club does not accept any form of discrimination and condemns sexism and misogyny," it said. "Abdel Bouhazama has apologized to his colleagues, especially women, and has therefore preferred to draw the consequences of both his record and his blunders."

Bouhazama replaced Gerard Baticle in December, and managed nine losses and two draws.

Angers has only 10 points from 26 games in the league and sits in last place, 12 points from safety.

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