Sky Sports’ Keys & Gray in Sexism row

Sexism row takes hold at Sky Sports.

Sky Sports Football Presenter Richard Keys and Pundit Andy Gray have been caught in a sexism row after making comments over a female Lineswoman.

The Daily Mail released audio of a conversation between Keys and Gray before coverage of the game between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool when their microphones were apparently still on. The conversation centred around Sian Massey, who was going to be lineswomen for the match.

Keys: “Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her,”

Gray: “Can you believe that? A female linesman. Women don’t know the offside rule.”

Keys: “Course they don’t, I can guarantee you there will be a big one today. Kenny (Dalglish) will go potty. This isn’t the first time, is it? Didn’t we have one before? Wendy Toms?”

Keys later went on to blast West Ham vice-chairman and Apprentice star Karren Brady who had written a newspaper column on sexism on Saturday.

Keys said: “The game’s gone mad. Did you hear charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Do me a favour, love.”

Keys and Gray have since apologised. A Sky Spokesperson has said: “The comments reported are not acceptable”.

It is not the first gaff Key’s has been caught up in. In April last year, in Arsenal’s 4-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League, during the Game Key’s made comments about Theo Walcott… “You’ve been s***e, son, in your daft pink boots – absolute rubbish…” As well as that, another mic gaff in 2007 was heard for viewers on Sky Sports HD channel during highlights of Scotland’s away trip to the Faroe Islands in a Euro 2008 Qualfier. On this occasion he exclaimed: “Daft little ground, silly game, f*** off.”

Richard Keys and Andy Gray will not present on Sky Sport’s Monday Night Football tonight, due to their part in a Sexism row. Keys and Gray have both apologiesed for their microphone gaff and Sky did say that “The comments reported are not acceptable”.

Keys did present yesterdays Super Sunday programme, featuring Blackurn v West Brom and Andy Gray did co-commentate. However, Sky bosses have stood down the pair for tonight’s studio coverage of Bolton v Chelsea. Rumours are surfacing in forums and on twitter that they pair are now contemplate their future.