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Former Wales international Nia Jones faced social media criticism over her World Cup play-off semi-final commentary
Fans are rallying behind former international Nia Jones after she faced sexist abuse after co-commentating on Wales' World Cup play-off semi-final defeat in Cardiff.
One angry male fan wrote a post on Facebook asking why she "can't just do the women's football".
But most comments came to her defence, with one saying "Grow up." A woman responded, saying: "What an irresponsible comment. You're entitled to your opinion. Just be cautious where you air it."
BBC Wales Sport
Nia Jones alongside commentator Simon Davies, just before the second half of the Wales match on Thursday night
The post, shared on the Wales Football Fans Facebook group, read: "Do I turn to S4C, turn the sound right down on BBC1, or suffer this woman commentator? Why can't she just do the Women's football?"
It drew more than 100 comments, many condemning the remark.
One man wrote: "Grow up, you clown. She's a better anything than you", while another woman questioned what his issue was with women.
A further comment read: "How do I mute, noisy, self-entitled men on this chat.
"You know the ones who have nothing to say about football, they just need some attention."
However, not all responses were supportive.
One man wrote: "Same here, women are taking over every sports channel, they are presenting every sport there is, now we have listen to the uninformed screeching in our sport."
The original poster later responded to another abusive comment, saying he "doesn't care if people call me a misogynist, she's never played men's football".
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In August 2024, Jones announced her retirement from netball after she wasn't offered a contract by Cardiff Dragons for the upcoming season
Jones, from Wrexham, represented Wales internationally in both football and netball, earning 30 caps in football and 70 in netball.
She captained Wales at the 2023 Netball World Cup in South Africa.
As a footballer, Jones played for Cardiff City, Reading, and Yeovil Town.
In August 2024, she retired from netball after Cardiff Dragons did not offer her a contract for the 2024–25 season.
Since then, Jones has become a regular media presence, appearing on BBC, Sky Sports, and S4C.
She frequently works as a co-commentator for Wales men's football games, providing expert analysis and tactical insights.
This is not the first time women in football have faced criticism.
Ex-England international Eni Aluko has endured sexist and misogynistic online abuse since making history and becoming the first woman to be a pundit on Match of the Day in 2014.
During sentencing in December 2022 , the judge described Barton's posts about Aluko, including a comparison to the serial killer Rose West, as a "racially charged and sexist attack".
Aluko said she was "glad justice has been served."
Jones has been approached for comment.
