Soccer-N.Ireland women's team defend coach Shiels after 'emotional' remarks

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group D - Northern Ireland v England - Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland - April 12, 2022 Northern Ireland's Marissa Callaghan REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

(Reuters) - Northern Ireland Women's players came out in support of their coach Kenny Shiels on Thursday, a day after he apologised for saying women are "more emotional" than men.

After a 5-0 loss to England in a 2023 World Cup qualifier, Shiels said women were more likely to concede two goals in quick succession because they were more emotional. His remarks drew intense criticism and the 65-year-old issued an apology.