"They were utterly inappropriate and totally sexist," said Arthur, who represents 11,000 referees in the UK. But Steven Gerrard headed home to give Liverpool fans a glimmer of hope and Tyledesley's reaction was priceless. Sky Sports' Andy Walker believes Celtic will extend their lead over Rangers before the end of the season. By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer February 26, 2023. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. Sky has sacked football presenter Andy Gray after further allegations of his sexist behaviour came to light. Le Tissier has since returned to Twitter following the news breaking of his departure, writing: 'Enjoyed my time at sky sports, time to look forward to life's next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team good luck all have a lovely day.'. Why is football knowledge measured by the offside rule. I kiss my teeth, say raasclaat and all that sort of stuff. 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. The 51-year-old hit out at the movement's 'far-left ideology' as black footballer Karl Henry also branded the group 'divisive'. 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. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. Like that time when Carlos Brathwaite hit four sixes in the last over off Ben Stokes to win the 2016 T20 World Cup for West Indies. During Liverpool's 3-0 Premier League victory against Wolves, when Massey made a tightoffside decision that was found to be completely correct upon video replay, Keys said, thinking their microphones had been switched off:Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her Massey.. Earlier this month Le Tissier announced he would be temporarily quitting the social media platform Twitter, saying he had been repeatedly targeted by cyber bullies who were attempting to force him out of his job. 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. It has proven to be a good prediction with Rooney going on to become England and Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer. The pair wolf-whistled and chanted: 'Get your t**s out for the lads!'. Hamilton Bland was sacked by the BBC after he was found to have brought the sport into disrepute in his role as the ASA's facilities adviser in 1998. . It was wrong. "Sian only wants to be notable for her performance as an assistant referee and is keen for things to get back to normal so she can return to officiating as soon as possible.". 'Remember the name Wayne Rooney! TV pundit Andy Gray has admitted he was close to suicide after being caught making a cheap sexist comment on Sky Sports. 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". ', said Tyldesley as Rooney wildly celebrated at Goodison Park. "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. The pair discussed Massey's appointment for the game at Molineux on Saturday, speaking when they believed their microphones were switched off. We wholeheartedly apologise for our behaviour. Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha is 'set to leave Selhurst Park as a free agent in the summer' - and could 'I don't read it': Romeo Lavia insists he is 'focused on his football' and helping Southampton avoid GRAEME SOUNESS talks to BRYAN ROBSON: I see people with pink and yellow boots and think "I'd just kick he was asked by bosses to wear the Black Lives Matter badge, temporarily quitting the social media platform Twitter, Do not sell or share my personal information. "Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour. "Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. We got it wrong. In January 2011,long-time Sky Sports commentators RichardKeys and Andy Gray were forced to leave the broadcasting companyafter the leak of several tapes in which the duo were found to make derogatory, sexist comments about female referee Sian Massey and other female figures in the industry. Sign up here for is Inside the Ashes newsletter to get daily news, interviews and analysis from Down Under. Yeah. Stelling tweeted: 'Clive does more prep and stats than me - and his are useful! It was wrong. 'Hello, hello. Formula 1 2023 - Pre-Season Testing - Live TV Coverage on . The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications. Sky Sports said it had sacked Gray "in response to new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour". 'The underlying insinuation of tweets immediately linking mine and Alex Scott's names makes for some uncomfortable truths. 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. "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. The 74-year-old former England coach, nicknamed 'Bumble', joined Sky in 1999 after his three-year stint with the national team. I don't know. Earlier today, a third Sky Sports presenter was taken off air. The pair were He doesnt make commentary about him. But Gray's former Everton team-mate Peter Reid linked the ex-Sky pundit's dismissal to the That is only fair to those connected with the clubs and their supporters. Read about our approach to external linking. A community rec center that offers a multitude of sports housed in 60,000+sqft on 12+ Acres in PV. He later responded to Ian Wright's video, saying: 'Totally agree with you Ian Wright, excellent point well made, racism should be left out of this completely but from one middle aged bloke to another I thought I did a decent job'. Terrific memories.'. This is Sky's decision to evolve the show, and you know what, I wish them all the very best. Caroline Barker. At present we have no plans to change the way we work with Andy. Scott was trending on Twitter last night as many praised her as one of the most talented football pundits in the UK, but she was also hit with a slew of sexist tweets. 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. The three men clocked close to 50 years service between them with Sky and will be greatly missed by the millions of armchair football fans who tuned into the long-running Gillette Soccer Saturday show. View our online Press Pack. Tyldesley, a fan favourite over the years, will be working on next year's delayed European Championship but not in the lead role. Scott Minto has confirmed he has left Sky Sports, as the broadcaster continues to make sweeping changes across its football coverage. The comments below have not been moderated. 'Can Manchester United score? That is only fair to those connected with the clubs and their supporters. Merse says while Erik ten Hag has done a great job at Man Utd, he should be winning silverware, before predicting the battle to beat the drop will go the distance. Gary Neville believes Harry Kane must leave Tottenham this summer if he wants to win trophies and feels a move to Manchester United is his most likely option. However, the timing of this announcement, just weeks after he was dragged into the Azeem Rafiq racism affair, suggests this wasnt entirely Lloyds decision. Not for myself. ", Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. Minto had worked for Sky Sports for the last 13 years, with his sacking coming less than 24 hours after Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas were axed from Soccer Saturday. He took over as England coach in 1996 but left in 1999 when the England and Wales Cricket Board did not renew his contract. 2021 Associated Newspapers Limited. Up to $10 000 in daily prizes, How Man Utd can end their Anfield hoodoo , Where next for Neymar? Enjoy The Ride - Sky Sports F1 Promo 2023 . Do me a favour, love.". Andy Burton was shown discussing Massey with Gray ahead of Saturday's match in footage leaked to sister channel Sky News. Sky has sacked football presenter Andy Gray after further allegations of his sexist behaviour came to light. 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. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, The popular trio will be sorely missed by the millions of armchair football fans, The three presenters have been axed by Sky Sports, Charlie Nicholas pictured in 2003 working for Sky, Le Tissier reports on a major moment in 2008, Thompson has also been a regular for over a decade, and is pictured here in 2008, The trio were regulars on Gillette Soccer Saturday, Matt Le Tissier was recently slated for his controversial views on coronavirus, Former Arsenal star Charlie Nicholas has been given his marching orders, Phil Thompson played for Liverpool and Sheffield United during his career, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Which Sky Sports presenters have been sacked? Goal takes a look. Gray has been a key part of Sky's football coverage, Massey has found herself at the centre of a media storm, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. It is now expected Sky Sports will bring in new faces for the coming campaign, in order to freshen up the popular football show and keep Soccer Saturday current. ", Thompson said: "I've had a great 22 years on Sky Sports. 'All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. Paul Merson says it will be difficult for manager Graham Potter to recover if Chelsea compound a poor run of form with a loss to London rivals Tottenham on Sunday. ", 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 Cricket said Lloyd was a "star" member of their commentary team, with an "extraordinary ability to inform and entertain in equal measure". 'These guys, Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson, they've had an unbelievable run. Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright, who works for the BBC, has since lauched an impassioned defence of both Richards and Scott, as well as other personalities linked with the roles, by blasting "racially-driven" criticism. That is not to defend what happened. Kenny [Dalglish] will go potty.". Then in the next breath he is switching on to find the perfect words for the great moment. Bad.". 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. Burton said "apparently, a female lino today, bit of a looker", with Gray responding: "A female linesman? You do it. "Betfair doesn't tolerate sexism, and we expect others who represent our brand to share similar values," said a spokesman. Something went wrong, please try again later. ", Gray then said: "No, I wouldn't. Former footballers Micah Richards (left) and Alex Scott (right) are both possible replacements. Bookmark. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.". That is sad, not only because he is a fine person but a brilliant broadcaster. 'We are very glad he will continue with us and look forward to working with him on many more occasions in the future.'. "The commentary box feels a little emptier," he said. I've got no health issues. 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. And Le God formed a brilliant relationship with Liverpools former captain and assistant manager Thommo, 66, and ex-Celtic and Arsenal star Nicholas, 58. It's been a great show. "Thank you Bumble for your service. Please turn on JavaScript. E. Author of the review. MATT LE TISSIER has been kicked off Sky Sports along with his fellow Soccer Saturday pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. After issuing a warning yesterday, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information today," he said. The pair are now flagship presenters of the BeIN Sports channels. Yeah. I look forward to being back on screen very soon.". Former Manchester United boss Ron Atkinson, who resigned from his position as ITV co-commentator in April 2004 after making an off-air racist comment, also suggested Gray may have been unfortunate to lose his job. Soon after Gray was sacked, the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) withdrew Massey from Tuesday's game at Crewe. 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. Bill Leslie There is an attitude that exists such as that. Sky said it is investigating Lloyd's alleged comments. News of the World phone-hacking scandal. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.. The disgraced duo left the broadcaster in infamous circumstances following comments they made in 2011, but what was said? It follows the sacking of Soccer Saturday trio Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson, which were revealed on Wednesday amid growing backlash against the decision, with some claiming it is because they are white men. Merson Says: Curtains for Potter if Chelsea lose at Spurs? I am quite happy for them to have their point of view, but that is mine and that is where I sit. Tyldesley wrote: 'My experiences in football are considerable and what I have seen and experienced over the years has gradually formed my opinion. Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said on Tuesday: "Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour. 'Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. Yeah. Sir Ian Botham and David Gower bid farewell to the Sky Sports commentary box after the conclusion of the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval. The likes of black ex-footballers Micah Richards, 32, Alex Scott, 35, Clinton Morrison, 41, and Sol Campbell, 45, have been suggested as their possible replacements. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. We got it wrong. 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Outside of Lineker, Alan Shearer is the highest-paid Match of the Day pundit on an annual salary of 395,000 ($550k) - down 50,000 from the previous rate of 445,000 a year. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. It is never about Bumble. Not for myself. "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. "All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. Published: 10:52 GMT, 27 August 2020 | Updated: 16:27 GMT, 27 August 2020. Sky have not announced who will replace the trio. A fantastic commentator who will be sorely missed. Sky sports commentators. He said: 'If you haven't seen the announcement, I am being replaced as ITV's senior football commentator. 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. Former darts world champion Eric Bristow has been sacked by Sky Sports after suggesting that footballers who have been sexually abused by coaches when they are younger are not "proper men". Keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed teeth mouths. MATT LE TISSIER has been kicked off Sky Sports along with his fellow Soccer Saturday pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. 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. Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today. No! The trolls turned on the football pundit for criticising the governments handling of the Covid-19 crisis. ITV appear to be following the BBC's lead in culling older much-loved talent. I gather one or two sites are reporting that I've been sacked. The former Everton and Aston Villa player, believed to be on a seven-figure salary and a key component in Sky Sports' growth story over 20 years, recently began legal action against the News of the World another arm of Rupert Murdoch's empire over phone hacking allegations. Teddy Sheringham then fired home an equaliser before another David Beckham delivery was flicked on by Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer poked home to win the European Cup for United. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Gray and Keys have been the face of Sky Sports' football coverage since the satellite broadcaster started showing English top-flight matches in 1992. The news comes less than 24 hours after Sky released a statement regarding the aforementioned Le Tissier and co. It read: "It is with a heavy heart that after 13 incredible years with Sky Sports I share the news that I will no longer be working with Sky and be part of their ongoing football coverage. Le Tissier had it written into his Sky contract that he didnt have to wear a tie for the weekend and mid-week television shows. It is understood that Sky had originally planned to treat Gray's exchange with Burton as part of the same disciplinary charge but the emergence of the new evidence made his position untenable. The presenter follows pundits Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas out the door after it was announced the trio had been axed from Sky's Soccer Saturday on Wednesday. His son . The pair are now flagship presenters of the BeIN Sports channels. What exactly did the two say? Commentator David Lloyd has left Sky Sports after 22 years. The pundit had already been disciplined for sexist comments made about female. The derogatory messages about Rafiq and Asians in general that Lloyd admitting sending a journalist close to the former Yorkshire player were unacceptable. The Ultimate Trivia Battle! adding: "He's deeply sorry about it and I accept his apology.". Sky Sports commentator sacked in sexism row January 26, 2011 5.09am Save Share Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size One of English football's leading television commentators, Andy Gray, was shown to stuff a microphone into his trousers and ask his female co-presenter to "tuck that down here for me". Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world. They will be lucky to have him. 'They are the two main points for me. To be clear this is ITV's decision, not mine. Can you believe that? Presenter Jeff Stelling will remain, as will Arsenal legend Paul Merson. Nick Halling is a British sports broadcaster and journalist who studied English & Theology at Leeds University. PGMO general manager Mike Riley 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. Get latest scores and headlines sent straight to your phone, sign-up to our newsletter and learn where to find us on online. So farewell Bumble, it was fun while it lasted. Tyldesley's voice has provided the backdrop to historic matches over more than two decades at major international tournaments and the biggest games in club football, including 17 Champions League finals. 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. Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA, Keys, was originally suspended yesterday after a Sunday newspaper published a transcript, in footage leaked to sister channel Sky News. Sky said in a statement that the new evidence related to "an off-air incident that took place in December 2010" and "came to light after Andy Gray had already been subjected to disciplinary action for his comments of 22 January 2011". Can you believe that? "From whiners to winners" - that's how Gary Neville described Erik ten Hag's transformation at Manchester United after their Carabao Cup final win. A football commentator has been sacked after announcing he was late back on air for the second half after going for a "jobby". Gray replied: Why is there a female linesman? Manchester United have reached the promised land, Ole Solskjaer, and the two substitutes have scored the two goals in stoppage time and the Treble looms large!'. 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. Scotland striker Nicholas secured two Premier League honours and one League Cup for Glasgow giants Celtic and one League Cup with the Gunners. If this starts to change that, it would give me some pleasure.". 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. 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. The disgraced duo left the broadcaster in infamous circumstances following comments they made in 2011, but what was said? The time he shared a campervan with Hussain on the 2018 tour of New Zealand was also memorable, particularly when I stumbled across Bumble having a cuppa outside the van in Mount Maunganui and he sarcastically remarked the stunning beach view had nothing on Blackpool. Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Minto joined Sky at the end of his playing career and has been a regular feature on Sky. They trailed Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp in the Champions League final thanks toMario Basler's goal before Tyldesley came up with a gem of a line. It is believed he felt that he had not been consulted properly and felt a sense of loyalty to the trio. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world.. Having worked for Sky since 1998, when Thompson left his role as Gerard Houllier's assistant at Liverpool in 2004, he became a bigger member of the team. They might get a chance to do this show. Ella Gillett of Cambridge, GB. Do me a favour, love.". Speaking outside his home near Southampton, he said: 'I just don't agree with some of the points of that movement - specifically the defunding of the police and the anti capitalist points are things I do not agree with. Sky Sports said none of the presenters were obliged to wear the badge. Featured review. Mark Chapman. Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas were told during a meeting with chiefs yesterday that their time on the show was up, but ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson was retained.
