Gray and Keys have been the face of Sky Sports' football coverage since the satellite broadcaster started showing English top-flight matches in 1992. I'm not sorry for me, I'm sorry for Sian Massey. Matterface was then was appointed earlier this year to come into the role, starting in time for the new season, which then became delayed due to the coronavirus crisis. Massey was this afternoon stood down from her engagement to run the line tonight at a League Two match between Crewe Alexandra and Bradford City. Former Tottenham . Here we go. Atkinson told BBC Radio WM: "I don't know the full story but on the evidence of what I've just heard and what I've read I think a suspension would have been the correct decision. Anothertape was revealed consisting of Gray crudely discussing Massey's physical appearance with a different colleague - Andy Burton. 'I love this job, and it has gone. And Le God formed a brilliant relationship with Liverpools former captain and assistant manager Thommo, 66, and ex-Celtic and Arsenal star Nicholas, 58. There is an attitude that exists such as that. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world.. . A fantastic commentator who will be sorely missed. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world.. Le Tissier also declared he was taking a break from social media earlier this month when he was attacked by online trolls calling for him to be sacked by Sky. I think it was sarcastic anyway. Tyldesley is going to remain as part of the ITV team and will still be part of the group commentating at major tournaments. Something went wrong, please try again later. The new footage, which was recorded in December but only came to light on Monday night, appears to show Gray making a suggestive comment towards colleague Charlotte Jackson, who does not openly react, and he and Keys then burst out laughing. Nev: Man Utd will need 'something really special' to beat Liverpool, Walker: Gap to Celtic will get bigger | 'Rangers can't match their quality', Merson Says: Man Utd should be winning trophies | Relegation will go to the wire, Nev: Man Utd most likely for Kane | 'I'd only pay 50m-60m for Rice', Tyler: Motson set the standard for commentators, 'From whiners to winners' - Neville on how Ten Hag has transformed Man Utd, Redknapp: Liverpool must win next two home games to finish in top four, Ten Hag on Man Utd togetherness and making Sir Alex proud, Carragher: Newcastle must pretend it's the last 30 minutes to beat Man Utd. Almost forgotten sports presenters/commentators. This is Sky's decision to evolve the show, and you know what, I wish them all the very best. The statement was made in a final attempt to save his job, but was not well-received. Home Sky Sports Sky Sports Football Presenters, Commentators & Pundits. It is important for PGMO to have talented people from all backgrounds getting involved in refereeing. Rooney burst into the spotlight with that stunning 90th-minute winner against Arsenal way back in 2002. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.". The News of the World is a subsidiary of News Corporation, which owns a large stake in BSkyB and is seeking to purchase the whole company. Le Tissier says he was asked by bosses to wear the Black Lives Matter badge, but stressed he 'could not support' the cause's anti police and capitalist aims. Thompson, Le Tissier and Nicholas regularly traded jibes with each other, while letting out instantly recognisable squeals of delight or anguish at goals or near misses. Stelling tweeted: 'Clive does more prep and stats than me - and his are useful! At present we have no plans to change the way we work with Andy. "Sian is an excellent professional who has unwittingly found herself in the middle of a story that has nothing to do with her competence as a match official. Soon after Gray was sacked, the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) withdrew Massey from Tuesday's game at Crewe. Presenter Jeff Stelling will remain, as will Arsenal legend Paul Merson. Gary Neville says the Premier League must persist with the use of VAR despite a controversial weekend of decisions as "the good far outweighs the bad". ", Glittering drama based on the audacious Brinks-Mat security depot heist, A corrupt copper and a Leeds gangster are bound together by decades of dishonesty. Sky sports commentators. The USWNT has a new superstar , 'They're taking the p*ss!' "While the decision wasn't mine, I leave Sky with nothing but fond memories of covering the EFL, Play-Offs, Carabao Cup, Spanish football, Revista De La Liga and many more. - Jose has become a laughing stock. 'The only thing he cares about is destroying me': Preview the scandalous story of divorce between the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, Paddy and Christine McGuinness open up in a raw and intimate documentary. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.". Lloyd scored one Test century - a double hundred against India in his second Test in 1974 - and one ODI hundred, and spent his entire county career with his native Lancashire from 1965 to 1983. ', Former Liverpool defender Thompson tweeted: 'Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today. 'Now listen, there are thousands of people in this country facing up to job losses and disappointments far more serious than this, I am a lucky boy. He doesnt make commentary about him. ", Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Andy Gray was recorded criticising a female assistant referee and saying they "probably don't know the offside rule". "From whiners to winners" - that's how Gary Neville described Erik ten Hag's transformation at Manchester United after their Carabao Cup final win. adding: "He's deeply sorry about it and I accept his apology.". His phenomenal strike left David Seaman stranded and ended Arsenal's 30-match unbeaten run, announcing himself as the next big thing in the process. Both Keys and Gray eventually signed a contract withAl Jazeera in June 2013, covering football from Qatar where they commentate on the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. Jeff Stelling, the Sky Sports presenter, expressed his dismay and accused ITV of 'ageism', which the broadcaster has . Bill Leslie Sky Sports review: Sky sports commentators. Hayley Mcqueen. 'These guys, Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson, they've had an unbelievable run. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Jamie Carragher believes the key for Newcastle to winning the Carabao Cup is to "start the game as if there is only half an hour left" against Man Utd. Andy Burton was shown discussing Massey with Gray ahead of Saturday's match in footage leaked to sister channel Sky News. Sky Sports cricket coverage will certainly be poorer and a lot less entertaining following the decision by David Lloyd to retire after 22 years with the broadcaster. Can you believe that? Last updated on 21 December 202121 December 2021.From the section Cricket. 'The underlying insinuation of tweets immediately linking mine and Alex Scott's names makes for some uncomfortable truths. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Ageism alive and well in UK broadcasting.'. , 'They're taking the p*ss!' He started presenting on Sky Sports News in July 2007, before leaving in late 2010. They weren't a million miles away under Marsch, Nev: Liverpool need to wake themselves up | 'Man Utd look happy again', Nev: Man Utd not ready for title race | Keane: They must be ready to pounce. For other inquiries, Contact Us. What exactly did the two say? It has proven to be a good prediction with Rooney going on to become England and Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer. subsequently disciplined. Midfield magician Le Tissier spent all his professional career with the Saints and it was one of footballs biggest mysteries why he only won eight England caps. Sky Sports Football Presenters . See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? You do it. 'They have been part of a team that for me was the best.'. David Jones. "If you're in a pub and a masculine type is bothering someone at the bar, we don't like that. "Sian is an excellent professional who has unwittingly found herself in the middle of a story that has nothing to do with her competence as a match official. Gary Neville feels Man Utd will need to produce something really special if they are to beat Liverpool on Super Sunday despite their outstanding form. Wright said: 'The racism is going through the roof today. Forget what I said -they probably dont know the offside rule," Gray added. Up to $10 000 in daily prizes, MLS is back! Sky Sports' cricket coverage will certainly be poorer - and a lot less entertaining - following the decision by David Lloyd to retire after 22 years with the broadcaster. I do not know exactly why this decision has been taken, already I've got the producer of a broadcaster I am working on asking if I've got any health issues. The 58-year-old's playing career came to an end in 1996 before he turned to punditry. I don't know. Female linesman. The pundit had already been disciplined for sexist comments made about female referee Sian Massey before Saturday's match between Wolves and Liverpool. Scott Minto has confirmed he has left Sky Sports, as the broadcaster continues to make sweeping changes across its football coverage. I would have been interested in commentating on the Euro 2020 final for them less than 48 hours ago but now I won't be commentating on any of the big England games over the coming year and I'm going to miss them. Sky on Tuesday refused to comment on the. Another Sky Sports presenter is sacked: Scott Minto is the latest 'middle aged white guy' big name to be fired after Soccer Saturday hosts Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. That is only fair to those connected with the clubs and their supporters. The pair discussed Massey's appointment for the game at Molineux on Saturday, speaking when they believed their microphones were switched off. about his experience of racism at Yorkshire, Rafiq said he had been told Lloyd messaged other members of the media that "a clubhouse is the lifeblood of a club, and Asian players don't go in there". The presenter follows pundits Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and. Media requires JavaScript to play. Sky Sports confirmed on Wednesday that former footballers Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas will no longer be a part of their coverage during the 2020/21 season, having. Enjoy The Ride - Sky Sports F1 Promo 2023 . Please turn on JavaScript. Eilidh Barbour. "They were utterly inappropriate and totally sexist," said Arthur, who represents 11,000 referees in the UK. "We've expressed our disappointment to Andy Gray's representatives about the comments that have been reported in the media over the last 48 hours. The news comes less than 24 hours after Sky released a statement regarding the aforementioned Le Tissier and co. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. Mike Riley, the general manager of Professional Game Match Officials said: "PGMO and Sian believe that with any football match the focus should not be on the officials but on the players and the game itself. Matt Le Tissier said he would a Black Lives Matter badge (circled) on Sky Sports but did not support their anti-capitalism aims. Much like BBC's star-studded commentary panel, Sky Cricket also have an equally popular commentary panel. Both were sacked from Sky . Enjoyed my time at sky sports, time to look forward to lifes next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team which include @CazzaEccles @CarlyBassett @tvtrevstats amongst many others, good luck all have a lovely day . Can you believe that? Andy Gray, the Sky Sports presenter at the centre of a sexism storm following derogatory comments about a female official, has been sacked by the broadcaster in response to "new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour". Presenter Jeff Stelling, who will continue on Soccer Saturday, along with Paul Merson, bemoaned the news, writing on Twitter: 'One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. "And so I feel it is time for me to do the same and move on to the next chapter.". A football commentator has been sacked after announcing he was late back on air for the second half after going for a "jobby". ", "He [a Sky Sports crew member] says she [Massey] is all right," Burton continued, "now I don't know if I should trust his judgment on that? 'I would like to wish the staff and teams at Sky all the very best for the forthcoming season - a season which is set to be truly spectacular both in the Premier League and EFL. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.'. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Sky Sports News' senior reporter Melissa Reddy analyses how the departure of key figures off the pitch has left Liverpool as a club in transition. Do me a favour, love.". 00:14 GMT 01 Oct 2020. What exactly did the two say? The three long-serving football experts were given the boot on. "The commentary box feels a little emptier," he said. Yeah, I know. What?'. A. Peace and love.'. That is not to defend what happened. Nov 06, 2021 10:35 am EDT. Sky Sports' managing director Barney Francis, who yesterday disciplined both Gray and Richard Keys for their comments, said he had "no hesitation" in summarily terminating Gray's contract. He said bosses at Sky had asked him and other pundits to wear the logo for their appearances and he agreed, but pointed out he supported'the cause, not the organisation'. Bumble was the lead commentator but he turned to Ian Bishop and said this is West Indies moment. 464 were here. 'Is there a tendency for me to refer to a black player's pace or strength as opposed to their skill or match intelligence? He admitted that himself and phoned Rafiq personally to apologise, as well apologising to the wider Asian community and affirming his commitment to making cricket a more inclusive sport. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.. Yours was the voice of my sporting youth, Champions League on terrestrial was appointment viewing. On Monday, additional video footage emerged of Gray, a former Scotland international and striker with Aston Villa, Wolves and Everton, talking off-air with Sky Sports' pitchside reporter Andy Burton about Massey. The Premier League confirmed that Keys had called Massey to apologise, but that did not stop himfrom continuing blaming the ordeal on "misguided fun"and referring to"lads' mag humour", attributing it as normal inpubs, clubs and dressing rooms across the country. ", Keys attempted to apologise one last time before the end of his final hour-long broadcast, saying, "One last time, sorry. 'What's it got to do with Black Lives Matter, or the fact that black people may get an opportunity to get those jobs? Others undoubtedly have far more entertaining anecdotes about one of the greats of British sports broadcasting, but there is hope this will not be the last we hear of Bumble. The 55-year-old and colleague Richard Keys had been stood down for Monday's match between Bolton and Chelsea. Sky said it is investigating Lloyd's alleged comments. They will be lucky to have him. Owen Gibson @ owen_g Tue 25 Jan 2011 11.38 EST Andy Gray, the Sky Sports presenter at the centre of a sexism storm following derogatory comments about a female official, has been sacked by. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world. On the latest Gary Neville Podcast, the Sky Sports pundit discusses Man Utd fan concerns about the Glazers and the issue of states investing in football clubs. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, Bruno Fernandes invites us on a journey into the Ten Hag process as Man Utd prepare for the Carabao Cup final Jamie Carragher has branded Liverpool's performance in their 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Real Madrid on Tuesday as "embarrassing" and "shambolic". Bobby Bulloch thought he was having a wee laugh by announcing his movements during the break between Hamilton Academical and Ross County on Wednesday night. It was wrong. She's fine. Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA, Keys, was originally suspended yesterday after a Sunday newspaper published a transcript, in footage leaked to sister channel Sky News. Personal highlights include when he was manager of the English press pack football team on the 2013 Ashes tour, with the decision by the lifelong Accrington Stanley fan in choosing to start this particular reporter on the bench in Perth ultimately vindicated when our team beat the Australian hacks 3-2. It's a simple thing, I agree with the cause but there are parts of the organisation that I just cannot support. Sky Cricket Commentators 2021. Former Southampton superstar and England ace Le Tissier, 51, was a hugely popular member of Stellings Saturday team. The Ultimate Trivia Battle! It is never about Bumble. Earlier on Tuesday it was announced that Burton was "spoken to and warned" about his remarks and he would not be involved in Sky's coverage of Wednesday's Carling Cup tie between Birmingham and West Ham. 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One wrote: 'ITV replacing Clive Tyldesley is a terrible decision. Ella Gillett of Cambridge, GB. Well, I guess I have from one job but I've done nothing wrong. Gray replied: Why is there a female linesman? Former Southampton star Le Tissier was a hugely popular member of Stelling's Saturday team, though has courted controversy several times in the past. Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today. Jamie Redknapp believes Liverpool's next two games, at home to Wolves and rivals Manchester United four days later, are pivotal for their top-four hopes. He said the death of former England bowler and Sky pundit Bob Willis in 2019, plus former England captains David Gower and Ian Botham and former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding leaving Sky recently had informed his decision. Matterface has been a regular commentary voice on ITV, working on coverage of several major tournaments including the World Cup in Russia. "I've decided the time is now right to pass on the microphone," said Lloyd. Premier League clubs have privately distanced themselves from the proposed new version of the European Super League, believing it to be laughable, Sky Sports can reveal. 'I will still wear the badge because I do of course believe black lives matter. That is not to defend what happened. Football's return after the coronavirus pandemic saw attention pull away from the pitch, after Matt Le Tissier claimed TV bosses asked him to wear a Black Lives Matter badge during Soccer Saturday. 'This happens to everybody in the industry. Up to $10 000 in daily prizes, How Man Utd can end their Anfield hoodoo , Where next for Neymar? Micah Richards, the most exciting pundit to hit the scene in years. The three long-serving football experts were given the boot on Tuesday in a remarkable move by the TV company who have been aggressively cutting staff numbers. He has extensive experience of his own having held roles with the BBC and also Sky Sports both as a presenter and commentator. 'Remember the name Wayne Rooney! Keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed teeth mouths. Manchester United were on the cusp of missing out on an unimaginable 'Treble' of Premier League, FA Cup and European Cup back in 1999. Electronic Arts, which produces football video games, refused to comment on whether Gray would be used as a commentator in the future. David Lloyd's 22-year career at Sky is over after the broadcaster's investigation into allegations he made racist comments about Asian players. Scott Minto (right) is the latest former player to be made redundant by Sky Sports this summer. I look forward to being back on screen very soon.". Through experiences you gain that wider perspective. Gary Neville says Pep Guardiola is likely to revert to a more conventional back four for Manchester City's huge Premier League showdown against Arsenal on Wednesday. 'Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. During a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee hearing about his experience of racism at Yorkshire, Rafiq said he had been told Lloyd messaged other members of the media that "a clubhouse is the lifeblood of a club, and Asian players don't go in there". The furore began on Saturday when Keys and Gray, believing their microphones were switched off, were recorded before the After issuing a warning yesterday, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information today," he said. Joining regulars Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Jamie Redknapp, Micah Richards and Graeme Souness, the new Sky Sports Football line-up will cover 128 Premier League matches including. However, according to Joe Saward in the 'Inside F1' podcast, David Croft could be on his way out of Sky Sports, as the team isn't quite happy with him. "The racism is going through the roof today," Wright said. Somebodys f*cked up big., Keys was also found to have made a comment aboutWest Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady's newspaper column, saying:"The game's gone mad. Liverpool were crushed by the Italian giants in the first half, going in 3-0 down at the break in Istanbul. No! He said: 'Alex Scott, for me, is easily one of the best prepared pundits out there. Both Keys and Gray eventually signed a contract withAl Jazeera in June 2013, covering football from Qatar where they commentate on the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. He also famously captured the moment Manchester United won the European Cup against Bayern Munich in dramatic fashion in 1999, saying: 'Beckham into Sheringham and Solskjaer has won it! "It's been an immense privilege to try and bring the sport I love into people's homes up and down the country.". Family man Le Tissier lashed out at his online critics for trying to ruin my life and get me sacked before taking a break from Twitter. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Baffling as you are as good as ever! 'ITV have been really good for me and yes I'll carry on as their No 2 commentator but let me make it quite clear, I have not stepped down, I have been moved. News of the World phone-hacking scandal. The statement was made in a final attempt to save his job, but was not well-received. Always a friendly face in press boxes around world, the Bumble you see and hear on screen is exactly the same bloke you get away from the microphone enthusiastic, inquisitive and slightly bonkers in the best possible way. The pair are now flagship presenters of the BeIN Sports channels. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. David Prutton. John Inverdale, Henry Blofeld, and Ian Robertson found themselves sidelined, whileCornelius Lysaght and Mark Pougatch were informed they had no future at Radio 5 Live. "Betfair doesn't tolerate sexism, and we expect others who represent our brand to share similar values," said a spokesman. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. I can stand up and take a beating. Get latest scores and headlines sent straight to your phone, sign-up to our newsletter and learn where to find us on online. But they've done brilliantly. The more people are attracted to the game the better standards will be and the more everyone can talk about the football. Stelling tweeted: 'One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departures of three of my best mates. Before it was announced that Gray had been sacked, Arthur Smith, general secretary of the Referees' Association, told BBC Sport's Dan Roan that Massey was hurt by the comments. Creating a new men's skincare product leads to a sticky situation in Lord Sugar's boardroom Want to get into cricket? The statement from the broadcaster said: We are changing some parts of our football coverage Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes., Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling reacted to the announcement in despair, tweeting: "One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. "All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. Rob Hawthorne has worked on Sky Sports since 1995 as a commentator. , Swanson is unstoppable! However, the timing of this announcement, just weeks after he was dragged into the Azeem Rafiq racism affair, suggests this wasnt entirely Lloyds decision. Scott Minto has been sacked by Sky Sports as he becomes the latest to fall victim to the broadcaster's on-screen shake-up. We wholeheartedly apologise for our behaviour.