There may be times when you’ve felt like kicking a boot at a wall in frustration at work.

But research from Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School has found that the ‘football culture’ may be more prominent in the workplace than people think.

According to the university’s Dr Sharon Mavin, who led the survey of businesses in the north east, male bosses often use football terms to motivate staff. But this can exclude women and hamper their prospects.

“Male networks determine the hierarchy and one which is very dominant is the football culture, which in most cases alienates women. Chief executives will use metaphors of football to motivate their teams and construct their cultures,” explained Mavin.