Sian Massey taken off weekend game

Sian Massey, the match official at the centre of a sexism storm this week, will not take charge of her planned match this weekend due to intense media attention.

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.

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.”