Jonathan Ross defends 'The Sun's Roy Hodgson front page

Published May 3 2012, 09:07 BST  |  By Paul Millar

Jonathan Ross has questioned the Football Association's criticism of The Sun's front page mocking new England manager Roy Hodgson's speech impediment.

The Rupert Murdoch-owned tabloid's "Bwing on the Euwos!" headline has been opposed by the FA boss David Bernstein and attracted over 100 complaints to the Press Complaints Commission.















However, Ross - who has rhotacism, the same speech impediment as Hodgson - told The Sun today (May 3): "I can see it's a joke, everyone can see it's a joke. Life's too short.

"The world is bankrupt and we're worrying about The Sun doing what they do... who really cares? Is anyone really upset? No.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with it, and I'm sure Roy is big enough to take care of himself. It hasn't ever bothered me. I'm used to it. And I'm sure it doesn't bother Roy."

Ross continued: "He is an incredibly well-read, intelligent man. He will take it as a joke. Everyone knows The Sun has a cheeky sense of humour.

"Good luck to Roy, it remains to be seen if he will be a great manager. I'm sure he will. But one thing's for sure, the way he speaks won't have anything to do with it. I can't see how it will bother him, frankly."

The 51-year-old broadcaster and chatshow host added: "[It's] really not a big deal. I wish we weren't part of such a judgmental culture."