Gray and Keys set to make quick return
Former Scotland international Gray was sacked while Keys resigned last month after off-air comments regarding lineswoman Sian Massey at a Premier League match between Wolves and Liverpool.
Discussing Massey, Keys said: “Somebody better get down there and explain the offside rule to her.” Gray responded: “I know, can you believe that? A female linesman...”
A Sky statement revealed that Gray’s sacking was also linked to a similar incident in December, where he made an innuendo-laden comment to Sky Sports presenter Charlotte Jackson when he asked her to tuck in his shirt.
Sky said they terminated Gray’s contract “in response to new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour”.
Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said: “Andy Gray’s contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour. After issuing a warning yesterday, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information today.”
Keys had been a presenter on Sky since 1992 and former Aston Villa and Everton striker Gray served as chief analyst alongside Keys.
“We are delighted to be joining the TalkSport family, and can’t wait to get started,” Keys said yesterday.
Gray is happy to return as a pundit.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be joining TalkSport. It’s a wonderful opportunity for Richard and I to do what we do best and that’s talk about sport,” he said.
The TalkSport programme director, Moz Dee, is looking forward to welcoming the pair to his radio station.
“The events of the last couple of weeks have been a lesson and have changed them,” said Dee.
“One thing that hasn’t changed however is that they are two iconic broadcasters who have a wealth of experience in the world of sport and that’s what we have to do now — move forward with them as sports broadcasters.
“I think it’s a sensational coup for TalkSport and great for radio. These men have carved out amazing careers in television and were at the forefront of the Sky revolution. I think they are going to have a massive impact on the radio scene.”
The pair’s first show will be on February 14 at 10am.
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