MOYES REGRETS SLAP REMARK

Sunderland boss David Moyes says he "deeply regrets" telling a BBC reporter she might "get a slap". After a draw with Burnley on 18 March, Moyes was asked by Vicki Sparks if the presence of owner Ellis Short put extra pressure on him. He said "no" but, after the interview, added Sparks "might get a slap even though you're a woman" and told her to be "careful" next time she visited. "It was in the heat of the moment," said Moyes. Both Moyes and Sparks were laughing during the exchange and the former Everton and Manchester United manager later apologised to Sparks, who did not make a complaint. Speaking in a news conference on Monday, he added: "I deeply regret the comments I made. "That's certainly not the person I am. I've accepted the mistake. I spoke to the BBC reporter, who accepted my apology." The BBC confirmed that Moyes and Sparks had spoken about the exchange and the issue had been resolved.