Massey loses out again as sexism row rumbles on
Massey, who was the target of sexist remarks by Sky Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray last week, had been due to referee Corby Town versus Eastwood Town in the Blue Square Bet North league today.
The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) organisation took the decision after consulting with Massey, 25, after Corby reported a huge demand for access by television crews.
A PGMO spokesman said: “The focus needs to be on the football match not the officials. It would be unfair on the clubs involved.”
The Premier League, who speak on behalf of the PGMO, refused to comment on whether there would be any financial loss for Massey after she was withdrawn from the second game this week — she had been due to be an assistant referee in the Crewe versus Bradford match in midweek.
The managers of the clubs had had no issue with Massey being the referee — Corby boss Graham Drury said earlier this week: “We’ve had Sian before and she had a fantastic game.
“She stamps her authority on the game and she interacts with players well. We’ve got a top referee for this game. The sex of the person in the middle doesn’t affect me.
“I don’t mind whether it’s a man, woman or even an elephant refereeing a game of mine — as long as they do it properly.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his club have helped women blaze a trail in the game.
Arsenal Ladies are one of the most successful and respected women’s football teams, winning the top flight 12 times.
Wenger believes in the modern world, there must always be a sense of equality.
“Nobody is against women in football,” he said.
“We have one of the most successful women’s football teams.
“We have always encouraged that and I don’t see any problem with it.”
The Arsenal manager added: “The game is changing every day. That’s life, life moves always forward and on the good side that is no problem.”
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