Broadcaster Piers Morgan and former football manager Mick McCarthy have revisited a long-standing feud dating back nearly 17 years, with McCarthy humorously labeling Morgan a "wanker" on a recent television appearance.
The exchange occurred during an episode of Morgan's "Sports Uncensored" show, where McCarthy was a guest. While discussing player performances and managerial decisions, the conversation shifted to an incident from December 15, 2009, when McCarthy, then manager of Wolves, chose to rest 10 outfield players for a Premier League match against Manchester United, which Wolves lost 3-0.
McCarthy had opted to rotate his squad after a win against Tottenham Hotspur three days prior. He later defended his decision, noting that Wolves secured a win against Burnley the following weekend and ultimately avoided relegation. However, Morgan, an Arsenal supporter at the time, was critical of McCarthy's strategy, as his team was competing with Manchester United for the Premier League title. Morgan had publicly called for McCarthy's dismissal following the Wolves loss.
During the on-air discussion, Morgan suggested McCarthy was wrong in his criticism, to which McCarthy retorted, "You're never right, mate! You just antagonise people with your comments." McCarthy asserted his right as a manager to make decisions he believed would yield results, stating, "My job is to win games." He pointed out that his team secured six out of nine possible points from the games against Tottenham away, Manchester United away, and Burnley at home.
Morgan countered that his criticism was valid as an Arsenal fan directly impacted by the decision. McCarthy argued that Arsenal fans like Morgan blamed him because their team was not good enough to win the title that season. The conversation touched upon McCarthy's past controversial spat with Roy Keane during the 2002 World Cup, with Morgan drawing a parallel.
McCarthy defended his management, highlighting that Wolves remained in the Premier League and secured significant revenue for the club. He recounted how the club chairman, initially unhappy with the loss to Manchester United, became delighted by the end of the season due to the financial benefits of staying in the top flight.
Morgan then posed a hypothetical situation, asking McCarthy how he would feel if a rival team, impacting Arsenal's title chances, had rested their entire squad against them. McCarthy admitted he would "moan like a bitch, like you do," leading to shared laughter and an acknowledgment of hypocrisy from both sides.
The segment concluded with McCarthy stating he had "been waiting 15 years to call you a wanker," to which Morgan humorously responded, eliciting further laughter. The exchange ended on a lighthearted note, with both acknowledging their shared hypocrisy and finding amusement in their long-standing disagreement.