Sky drops Gray and Keys after outcry
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Sky drops Gray and Keys after outcry
Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys and pundit Andy Gray were both dropped from the channel's coverage of Chelsea's Premier League game against Bolton on Monday night following the sexism row that has swamped the pair.
Keys has telephoned assistant referee Sian Massey to apologise for his off-air remarks about her at the weekend, a Professional Game Match Officials spokesman confirmed.
The PGMO confirmed that Keys had telephoned Massey. She accepted the apology and is now keen to move on from the matter, and will be an assistant at the League Two match between Crewe and Bradford on Tuesday night.
Controversy arose after the Mail on Sunday was passed a recording of an off-air discussion the two men held during Saturday's game between Wolves and Liverpool, about female official Sian Massey. Keys was recorded as saying "somebody better get down there and explain offside to her", while Gray agreed, saying of female officials: "they probably don't know the offside rule".
Gray further criticised former Premier League assistant referee Wendy Toms and Keys took issue with a column by Karren Brady in Saturday's Sun in which she commented on the level of sexism in the game. Keys said: "See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour, love."
Their comments have generated plenty of reaction with Sports Minister Hugh Robertson even weighing into the debate when saying he was "disappointed to hear these comments at a time when we are trying to get more women participating in football."
Sky Sports has now responded to the outcry provoked by the pair's comments by dropping them from the coverage of Monday night's game at the Reebok Stadium.
Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: "It has been made clear to each of them that their comments were totally unacceptable. I have spoken directly to both Richard Keys and Andy Gray this morning.
"Those views are inexcusable, entirely inconsistent with our ethos as a business and employer, and will rightly offend many of our customers, our people, and the wider public. They are inexcusable from anyone at Sky, regardless of their role or seniority.
"We have dealt with this matter by taking immediate disciplinary action. As with any employee it would not be right to go into detail on those proceedings. However, they have been clearly warned about their behaviour and reminded of their responsibilities. In addition, Richard and Andy will not be involved in any way with tonight's live Monday Night Football."
Massey made a good call when adjudging Raul Meireles was onside in the build-up to Liverpool's first goal at Molineux, and the FA has issued a statement backing its female officials.
The statement read: "The FA has made real strides in encouraging both male and female match officials to enter the game at every level, and will continue to offer every encouragement to all officials within the football family to progress to the highest levels possible.
"We are proud to have some of the world's best match officials, both male and female. Overall the number of female referees in England (Levels 1-8) stands at 853 and climbing, and all of our female match officials act as fantastic ambassadors for the game. They have our wholehearted and continuing support."
Referees body Professional Game Match Officials issued a statement from general manager Mike Riley which read: "All PGMO referees and assistant referees are appointed on merit and ability. They are assessed on their performances only."
On Monday, Brady responded to the controversy when telling the BBC: "It makes my blood boil, if I'm absolutely honest. Forget myself for a second, because what was said about me is a personal opinion and everyone is entitled to that. What really upsets me is the fact only females in our industry are judged by their gender. And that is categorically wrong.
"I'm genuinely disappointed. It never would have occurred to me that they had those views, whether public or private. It almost makes it worse that they're speaking when the microphones are not on as opposed to when they are on, because (they have) never really had the brass neck to say it publicly, they would only say it privately. I have heard it and I don't believe it is just banter.''
England captain Rio Ferdinand has also come out to support Massey on his Twitter account, saying: "What's wrong with a woman being an official in a football game? I'm cool with it. All that counts is do they get the decisions right.
"I'm all for women refereeing in football, discrimination should not happen in our game at all...prehistoric views if you think otherwise."
FIFA-listed referee Morag Pirie has told the duo to ''get with the times'' as she urged women not to be discouraged from getting involved in the game.
''That attitude you think would have gone out years ago, but it's obviously still there,'' she said. ''How can that sort of attitude encourage more women to take up refereeing?
''You need encouragement for women and men to do these sports. They should try it themselves and see what it's like. It's a hard enough job as it is. Some men need to get with the times. More women are doing jobs that men used to do and are being judged on their ability and skills.
''If there are girls out there who want to take it up then they should. Men get negative comments as well, you just need to block them out.''
Gray leaves Sky Sports
Pundit Andy Gray has left Sky Sports in the aftermath of his controversial comments on female officials.
GettyImagesRichard Keys and AndySky has confirmed it has terminated his contract in light of "new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour".
Along with presenter Richard Keys, Gray was caught off camera making controversial comments about assistant referee Sian Massey ahead of Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday.
Keys suggested that "somebody better get down there and explain offside to her", and Gray added: "They probably don't know the offside rule".
Sky News released footage on Monday evening of Gray in conversation with Sky Sports reporter Andy Burton. Burton, who has now been stood down, referred to Massey as a "bit of a looker" while Gray again said she would be unaware of the offside rule.
Keys has since telephoned Massey to apologise and, although Gray had not been in contact, a Sky spokesman said: "It wasn't a case of Andy not apologising. It doesn't really make sense for both of them to call."
However, after footage emerged of Gray joking that Sky Sports News presenter Charlotte Jackson should help him to tuck his shirt in, he has now left the company.
It is believed that Massey has been stood down from the League Two game between Crewe and Bradford on Tuesday night.
More to follow...
NoooO!!!! No more Andy Gray T.T
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But some guy referees also need to be briefed on the offside rule.
So how?
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One one male referee gave the same player 3 yellow cards. How?
Anyway, Keys could go next. Here's a new video where even Graeme Souness kicks him for making crude comments.
Keys and Gray are royal pricks who appeal to the lad population.
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why now no liverpoo fans??are they fair-weather fans??why they so quiet??no noise here leh.where poolman??he usually mouth very big.now he shut up.u go YNWA forum,no activity.pool fans only talk when they are winning??
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is he someone who has just created a new account after being banned here? Can't stand this kind of idiot..
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Apparently the workers at Sky Sports all hate Andy Gray and Richard Keys (Arrogant, Cocky and just plain arses) . Little wonder why footages such as these have been leaked out... obviously to get them fired:)