Australia's coach in sexist storm after he tells women to 'shut up in public'

Australia's coach Holger Osieck is in hot water with half the Australian population after he told a press conference that 'women should shut up in public'.

The  German-born coach was taking his seat at a press conference following Australia's 4-0 win over Jordan on Tuesday when he jokingly accused a male Football Australia official of ordering him around 'like his wife.'

Osieck then used the Latin phrase 'Mulieres taceres in ecclesia', adding his own English translation - 'women should shut up in public' - for the benefit of non-Latin speakers.

'I say it to my wife at home, it is a private one, OK,' he added.

Looking at the waiting media he added: 'And you record that one as well? I am going to be the darling of all Australian wives.'



The Socceroos coach has since looked to downplay the remarks.

'To everyone who may feel offended by that, I offer a sincere apology,' Osieck said today.

'It was off the record, it was more a funny remark.

'It was nothing against any women or whatever. Definitely just a complete misunderstanding.

'It was more meant as a joke to the journalist who asked me. There was no serious approach in it. One hundred percent not.'

Despite the apology, Olsieck may not be out of trouble yet.

'If my wife knows, I'll probably be in big trouble when I get home,' he said.