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.