Keys says sorry to assistant referee Massey

SKY SPORTS presenter Richard 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 last night.

Microphones picked up comments made by Keys and co-presenter Andy Gray in what they thought was an off-air conversation before the Wolves versus Liverpool match on Saturday, in which they appeared to agree that female officials “don’t know the offside rule”, with Keys adding: “I can guarantee you there’ll be a big one today. (Liverpool manager) Kenny (Dalglish) will go potty.”

The pair have been reprimanded by Sky Sports for their comments about Massey and West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady and were not involved in Sky’s coverage of last night’s game between Bolton and Chelsea match as a result. The PGMO last night confirmed 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 npower League Two match between Crewe and Bradford tonight.

Earlier Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis issued a strongly-worded statement this afternoon reprimanding Keys and Gray for the conversation that took place prior to the Liverpool versus Wolves match on Saturday.

Keys and Gray have received widespread condemnation, with England defender Rio Ferdinand among their critics, branding their views “prehistoric”.

Francis 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.

“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. 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.”

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish opened yesterday’s press conference with a quip, asking Sky Sports’ representative if he objected to the presence of a female journalist.

The Scot’s daughter Kelly, a former presenter on Sky Sports News, said on her Twitter account: “Phew, am exhausted. Just read about something called ”the offside rule“. Too much for my tiny brain. Must be damaged from nail polish fumes.”

Manchester United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand also used Twitter to add his voice to the chorus of disapproval by giving his full backing to female officials.

Massey crucially made a correct borderline call in the build-up to Liverpool’s first goal in the 3-0 victory at Molineux.

“I’m all for women refereeing in football, discrimination should not happen in our game at all...prehistoric views if u think otherwise..” said Ferdinand.

In the same off-air discussion with Gray, Keys also went on to remark on comments made by Hammers vice-chairman Brady in The Sun on Saturday morning about the level of sexism in football, saying: “See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour, love.”

Brady said yesterday: “It makes my blood boil, if I’m absolutely honest.

“What really upsets me is the fact only females in our industry are judged by their gender. And that is categorically wrong.’’