Piers Morgan -- American Football Is 'Girly' ... Brits Don't Need Pads!

AMERICAN FOOTBALL IS GIRLY???!??!?

Apparently, that's the way Piers Morgan feels about the sport ... when compared with "real" football -- the kind they play back in Britain.

Piers was at Madeo last night when we started talking about the difference between the U.S. and the U.K. -- and just like General Cornwallis, Piers went on an ill-advised attack.

"You gotta learn proper football," Piers said ... "The REAL one with the round ball and no girly padding or helmets."

Gotta respect the fact he didn't back down ... but girly? Really?