Football sexism row sees presenters dropped
Two Sky Sports presenters who sparked a sexism row after saying off-air that female officials “don’t know the offside rule” have been suspended from presenting duties.
Presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys have been cut from Monday’s line-up, Sky confirmed.
The pair predicted that female lineswoman Sian Massey would make a mistake during Liverpool’s game against Wolves on Saturday in the Premier League, agreeing that female officials “probably don’t know the offside rule”.
“It has been made clear to each of them that their comments were totally unacceptable.” Sky Sports Managing Director, Barney Francis
The duo agreed someone should go pitchside to explain the rule to Ms Massey – and Mr Keys added: “I can guarantee you there’ll be a big one today. Kenny [Dalglish, Liverpool manager] will go potty.”
In fact, Ms Massey correctly called a crucial decision.
Disciplined
Sky Sports Managing Director Barney Francis said the pair had been disciplined and dropped from covering the Bolton versus Chelsea match.
He said: “I have spoken directly to both Richard Keys and Andy Gray this morning. It has been made clear to each of them that their comments were totally unacceptable.
“See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour love.” Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys
“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.”
Late on Monday night, Mr Keys telephoned Ms Massey to apologise for the comments, a Professional Game Match Officials spokesperson said.
Heather Rabbatts, a former deputy chair of Millwall football club, told Channel 4 News that she was not surprised by the comments.
“It is disappointing that these views are still held, but the fact that there has been such a debate today and such a furore about it demonstrates that attitudes are changing,” she said.
“Don’t they look a bit foolish? They look like dinosaurs.”
Unaware
The two men apparently made the comments unaware that they were being recorded. The tapes were obtained by the Mail on Sunday and they went on to discuss West Ham Vice-Chairman Karren Brady’s article about sexism in a Sunday newspaper.
Mr Keys said: “See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour love.”
Ms Brady said the comments made her “blood boil”.
She told BBC Radio 5 Live that the game: “still has this sort of old-fashioned, out-of-date view of what a woman’s role is in the industry, and it infuriates me. I’m surprised they didn’t say ‘better go and get her to get the kettle on.'”