David Moyes, said he has been “surprised” by the level of criticism directed at him after telling a female BBC reporter she “might get a slap” but the Sunderland manager is grateful for his club’s public support.

Moyes apologised on Monday for comments he made two weeks ago to the BBC’s Vicki Sparks, and the following day Sunderland issued a statement saying that, although they considered his comments to have been “wholly unacceptable”, they are happy for Moyes to remain as manager because he had owned up to his error and said sorry.

“I’ve been surprised in many ways, but I’ve done my job with the players, got them prepared, organised them, got the best team out we possibly can,” Moyes said following Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat at Leicester on Tuesday night.

“I think the world of football is a great business now. I think it employs an incredible amount of people, whether it be through the media or in the training grounds. And for that reason, football’s a big talking point.” Asked to clarify what he meant, he replied: “That’s just my own opinion.”

Moyes said he was not surprised, on the other hand, by Sunderland’s statement of support for him. “I think it was great that you get that support from the club, and I expected it.”

Moyes, 53, issued a public apology to the BBC Newcastle and Radio 5 Live reporter Vicki Sparks on Monday after video footage emerged of a controversial exchange between the pair following a post-match interview.

On Tuesday afternoon, Sunderland issued a statement confirming their position on the matter and offering their continued backing to Moyes. Sunderland’s statement read: “Sunderland AFC would like to reiterate the actions taken following the Burnley game on 18 March. The exchange between the manager and a BBC reporter was wholly unacceptable and such actions are not condoned or excused in any way.

“David recognised this immediately, proactively bringing the matter to the attention of the CEO (Martin Bain) and apologising to the reporter. The club also spoke with both a senior figure at the BBC and the reporter personally, expressing its profound regret over what had occurred.

“The matter was treated with the utmost seriousness from the outset and the swift and decisive action taken by the club and the manager at the time ensured that it was resolved to the satisfaction of the reporter and the BBC, which was the priority.

“With both the BBC and the reporter agreeing that appropriate action had been taken at the time, the club continues to fully support David in his role as manager of Sunderland AFC.”

The Football Association has written to Moyes asking for his “observations” about the remark he made to Sparks, before it decides whether to take disciplinary action against him.