The Football Association is to speak to manager David Moyes after he said he would slap a female BBC reporter sparking an outcry from domestic abuse charities

Moyes, from Glasgow, said he "profoundly regrets" making the comments after taking offence at a question from BBC Newcastle and Radio Five Live reporter Vicki Sparks last month.

An FA spokesman said: "We are seeking observations from the club."

It will speak to the Sunderland boss to get his version of what happened after Sparks interviewed him following the 0-0 Premier League draw with Burnley.

Moyes yesterday said: "In the heat of the moment, I made a mistake in my comments to a BBC reporter, which I profoundly regret. I was disappointed with myself for it.

"I subsequently phoned the reporter and apologised, which she accepted.

"It's not my character, it's not my type, as most people know and, once again, I apologise for it."

His initial comments were condemned by Gary Lineker, the shadow sports minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and the domestic violence charity Wearside Women in Need.

The reporter had asked if club owner Ellis Short's presence at the game had meant he was under more pressure, with the club fighting relegation.

The Bearsden-born manager answered: "No, none at all."

However, thinking he was off camera, he then added: "You were just getting a wee bit naughty at the end there, so just watch yourself.

"You still might get a slap even though you're a woman.

"Careful the next time you come in."

Both Mr Moyes and Ms Sparks laughed during the exchange and the reporter did not make a complaint.

Asked at a later news conference if he was sexist, Mr Moyes replied: "No. I think people who know me would say that and as I said in the heat of the moment, I used the wrong words."

Gary Lineker said it was "inexcusable" and demonstrated the disdain some managers had for interviews.

He posted on Twitter: “Moyes incident highlights a tendency for some managers to treat interviewers with utter disdain. Pressured job. Well rewarded. Inexcusable.”

Dr Allin-Khan tweeted: "David Moyes cannot get away with these sexist threats - the FA must take action immediately."

Clare Phillipson of Wearside Women In Need agreed, saying: "It is for the FA to set a clear standard about what they think is acceptable.

"It was dreadful, absolutely appalling."

Ms Phillipson was critical of the club last season for continuing to pick Adam Johnson despite him being accused - and subsequently convicted - of sexual activity with a besotted 15-year-old fan.

Moyes said his employers have known about the issue for two weeks.

He said during a later press conference: "We’re in an industry where you don’t always handle things the way you want to.

"I think it’s something that for all managers, senior managers and young managers, it can be difficult when you’re put in front of the camera so quickly after the games.”

A Sunderland spokesman said: "David and the reporter spoke to one another subsequently and the matter was resolved amicably."

The BBC confirmed Mr Moyes and Ms Sparks had spoken since and the matter was resolved.

A spokesman said: "Mr Moyes has apologised to our reporter and she has accepted his apology."