The Liverpudlian former Newcastle midfielder has since taken to Twitter to defend himself.
'Steve MaClaren (sic) eat your heart out...'
Before adding moments later:
'In my defence, it is very difficult to do a press conference in Scouse for a room full of French journalists. The alternative is to speak...
'..like a 'Allo Allo!' character which is choose. Its simply a case of you had to be there. #youstupidwomen!'
The Independent