DAVID Moyes’ comments towards BBC reporter Vicki Sparks have reignited an issue which shows discrimination and sexism within all walks of life are something that should be treated with the utmost seriousness.

The 53-year-old Sunderland manager told Sparks she “might get a slap, even though you’re a woman” when she asked him a question after Sunderland’s draw against Burnley in the Premier League in March.

Not only has the Scot once again painted football as a macho and misogynistic world but his comments have highlighted an issue which all people should take heed of and, most important of all, learn from.

A survey conducted by Women in Football in 2016 showed some truly alarming statistics.

It revealed 61.9 per cent of women suffered sexist jokes or banter, 46.2 per cent suffered sexism and 24 per cent suffered bullying.

It’s not just football that has these problems. Events at British Cycling last summer involving former GB track sprinter Jess Varnish and technical director Shane Sutton shone a light on the problem.

The latter allegedly told Varnish to “get on with having a baby”.

Sutton resigned from his role and the investigation into the complaints upheld one count out of the nine.

Sport has shown the rest of the working world how not to handle sensitive cases such as discrimination and sexism.

For me, the solution to the problem is simple – treat everyone as you wish to be treated. But, sadly not everyone adheres to or even agrees with that principle.

Michael Stokoe is a trainee journalist