ALISON BENDER has bravely opened up on the horrific abuse that she has faced as a female presenter.
The Sky Sports News regular has also worked for the likes of Premier League Productions, ESPN and Real Madrid TV during her accomplished career.
Instagram @alibendertvAlison Bender is an experienced Sky Sports regular[/caption]
Instagram @alibendertvThe popular presenter has been working in football for well over a decade[/caption]
Bender was recently sent a hideous rape threat on Instagram.
The Sky Sports star subsequently posted a screenshot of the message to her Instagram Story, adding: “Blocked and reported.”
The vile message saw the social media user threaten to sexually assault Bender in front of her children.
In a further post, Bender wrote: “Well, what can I say? Thanks for all your messages including those who say he should be reported to the police.
“The sad part is I don’t really bat an eyelid, many of you are shocked, outraged, angry, sad, but for my female colleagues we know this is pretty common place.
“I call it out to hope that it stops but really we need more help for the platforms themselves. You should be verified and accountable.”
Bender then added: “It also makes me worry that I’m becoming immune or numb to what is morally right and wrong because I am exposed to so much of it.
“Anyway, don’t worry about me I’m absolutely fine. And thanks 99% of my followers on here are awesome. The rest can **** off.”
In 2020, Bender opened up to SunSport about her experiences as a woman working in the football industry.
She said at the time: “It meant I had to work harder. I basically put myself through a degree in football. I read every book that was out there.
“When I was covering the Champions League, instead of just relying on my knowledge I’d go and research every single Champions League game that ever existed because I was so afraid I would miss something.
“I think I am wired that way as well, I love working hard. But you feel like you’ve got a lot more to prove [as a woman].
“I don’t ever like to dish dirt on my colleagues but I’ve heard men say things on TV that I know for a fact if I’d said them I’d be absolutely hammered and my career would be over.
“A simple slip of the tongue, it’s so easy to make a mistake but as a girl I think you just can’t have that error. Everything is scrutinised.”
Bender went on to reveal that she had been “shooed” away from Real Madrid training by ex-boss Fabio Capello.
The presenter also admitted that she could feel people staring as she’d give her number out to journalistic contacts.
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