Phil Neville apologises over Twitter posts

Phil Neville has apologised for the sexist tweets that have come back to embarrass the new England Women head coach.

The former England defender faced criticised within hours of his appointment being confirmed on Tuesday over messages he posted in 2012.

In one tweet, he said he expected women not to have been reading his Twitter messages but to have been "preparing breakfast/getting kids ready/making the beds".

Neville appeared to delete his Twitter account, @fizzer18, after the comments came to light.

His new employer, the Football Association, issued a statement from Neville on Wednesday that read:

The Women's Sport Trust had called on the FA and Neville to address the former Manchester United player's comments, and anti-discrimination group Kick It Out has called for strong action to be taken, including a possible charge.

Kick It Out chief executive Roisin Wood said the organisation has "serious concerns" about Neville's appointment, given he has no experience of working in women's football.

Wood stated Kick It Out was "making representations to the FA to ensure the governing body is transparent and accountable for their decision", and said Neville's Twitter comments appeared to be "misogynistic and sexist".

Kick It Out questioned whether Neville should be disciplined.

Wood said: