It follows a row in June over Black Lives Matter badges after Le Tissier claimed Sky bosses had asked him to wear one on air as the movement gathered pace and the broadcaster used BLM branding across its output amid efforts to improve diversity. Matt Le Tissier said he would a Black Lives Matter badge (circled) on Sky Sports but did not support their anti-capitalism aims. The news comes less than 24 hours after Sky released a statement regarding the aforementioned Le Tissier and co. Gray and Keys have been the face of Sky Sports' football coverage since the satellite broadcaster started showing English top-flight matches in 1992. Refs' chief slams Sky presenters over sexism row. I look forward to being back on screen very soon.". Presenter Jeff Stelling will remain, as will Arsenal legend Paul Merson. A left-handed batter and left-arm spinner for Lancashire, he played nine Tests and eight one-day internationals for England between 1973 and 1980. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.'. And Le God formed a brilliant relationship with Liverpools former captain and assistant manager Thommo, 66, and ex-Celtic and Arsenal star Nicholas, 58. , Swanson is unstoppable! Sky Sports' Andy Walker believes Celtic will extend their lead over Rangers before the end of the season. 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He was a boxing commentator for Sky Sports and presented their American football, as well as ice hockey, ten-pin bowling and numerous other events.. Halling used to co-present the National Football League (NFL) on Sky Sports along with Kevin Cadle. There is a sports room, a little boisterous like a dressing room up and down the country. 'All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. Electronic Arts, which produces football video games, refused to comment on whether Gray would be used as a commentator in the future. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Gary Neville feels Man Utd will need to produce something really special if they are to beat Liverpool on Super Sunday despite their outstanding form. Get latest scores and headlines sent straight to your phone, sign-up to our newsletter and learn where to find us on online. I think it was sarcastic anyway. Do me a favour, love.". "While the decision wasn't mine, I leave Sky with nothing but fond memories of covering the EFL, Play-Offs, Carabao Cup, Spanish football, Revista De La Liga and many more. Gray, Sky's expert pundit for almost two decades in a long-standing partnership with Keys, was originally suspended yesterday after a Sunday newspaper published a transcript of the pair criticising female match official Sian Massey during Wolverhampton Wanderers' match with Liverpool on Saturday. "Sian is an excellent professional who has unwittingly found herself in the middle of a story that has nothing to do with her competence as a match official. Yeah. Ageism alive and well in UK broadcasting.'. Forget what I said -they probably dont know the offside rule," Gray added. Both Keys and Gray eventually signed a contract withAl Jazeera in June 2013, covering football from Qatar where they commentate on the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. A primary reason behind keeping the viewers engaged on a rain-affected Day 3 was the quality of analysis on Sky Sports Cricket. David Prutton. You can hear his love and passion for the game in every word he says and he has that priceless ability to inform and entertain at the same time. Lloyd last month apologised to former Yorkshire all-rounder Azeem Rafiq, who accused him of making disparaging comments about Asian players. It read: "It is with a heavy heart that after 13 incredible years with Sky Sports I share the news that I will no longer be working with Sky and be part of their ongoing football coverage. Tyldesley, a fan favourite over the years, will be working on next year's delayed European Championship but not in the lead role. Presenter Jeff Stelling, who will continue on Soccer Saturday, along with Paul Merson, bemoaned the news, writing on Twitter: 'One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. During a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee hearing about his experience of racism at Yorkshire, Rafiq said he had been told Lloyd messaged other members of the media that "a clubhouse is the lifeblood of a club, and Asian players don't go in there". Le Tissier has since returned to Twitter following the news breaking of his departure, writing: 'Enjoyed my time at sky sports, time to look forward to life's next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team good luck all have a lovely day.'. The 49-year-old began presenting for Sky in 2006 after . To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. They were both a joy to work with and both will be sadly missed.. Bill Leslie The former Everton striker is now working in BeIN sports in Qatar . Formula 1 2023 - Pre-Season Testing - Live TV Coverage on . Which Sky Sports presenters have been sacked? Sky on Tuesday refused to comment on the. In 2001 Thommo was praised by his fellow football pundit Tony Cottee for saving his life when the Liverpool hero paid for a doctor to examine his colleague before he suffered a brain haemorrhage. Burton had been due to appear in his role as a touchline reporter on Sky's coverage of tomorrow night's Carling Cup semi-final second leg between Birmingham City and West Ham but will now be replaced. Yours was the voice of my sporting youth, Champions League on terrestrial was appointment viewing. For other inquiries, Contact Us. 'They have been part of a team that for me was the best.'. Nick Halling is a British sports broadcaster and journalist who studied English & Theology at Leeds University. She's got that game on merit, she's worked really hard, and it does hurt you. I accept that. Tyldesley is going to remain as part of the ITV team and will still be part of the group commentating at major tournaments. In January 2011,long-time Sky Sports commentators RichardKeys and Andy Gray were forced to leave the broadcasting companyafter the leak of several tapes in which the duo were found to make derogatory, sexist comments about female referee Sian Massey and other female figures in the industry. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. The furore began on Saturday when Keys and Gray, believing their microphones were switched off, were recorded before the I kiss my teeth, say raasclaat and all that sort of stuff. That is not to defend what happened. "I've decided the time is now right to pass on the microphone," said Lloyd. "He is much loved and respected by his fellow commentators and production team who cherish the time spent working with him," read a statement. Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Minto joined Sky at the end of his playing career and has been a regular feature on Sky. The likes of black ex-footballers Micah Richards, 32, Alex Scott, 35, Clinton Morrison, 41, and Sol Campbell, 45, have been suggested as their possible replacements. "And so I feel it is time for me to do the same and move on to the next chapter.". Le Tissier had it written into his Sky contract that he didnt have to wear a tie for the weekend and mid-week television shows. It's a simple thing, I agree with the cause but there are parts of the organisation that I just cannot support. ', When asked whether pundits on Sky Sports had been told to wear the badge, Le Tissier laughed and said: 'We were asked to wear it.'. Sign up here for is Inside the Ashes newsletter to get daily news, interviews and analysis from Down Under. But Gray's former Everton team-mate Peter Reid linked the ex-Sky pundit's dismissal to the Sky has sacked football presenter Andy Gray after further allegations of his sexist behaviour came to light. "If you're in a pub and a masculine type is bothering someone at the bar, we don't like that. Having worked for Sky since 1998, when Thompson left his role as Gerard Houllier's assistant at Liverpool in 2004, he became a bigger member of the team. Sky Sports' cricket coverage will certainly be poorer - and a lot less entertaining - following the decision by David Lloyd to retire after 22 years with the broadcaster. News of the World phone-hacking scandal. A football commentator has been sacked after announcing he was late back on air for the second half after going for a "jobby". Rafiq said Lloyd also apologised to him personally, adding: "He's deeply sorry about it and I accept his apology.". MATT LE TISSIER has been kicked off Sky Sports along with his fellow Soccer Saturday pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA, Keys, was originally suspended yesterday after a Sunday newspaper published a transcript, in footage leaked to sister channel Sky News. Bad.". This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Scott Minto has been sacked by Sky Sports as he becomes the latest to fall victim to the broadcaster's on-screen shake-up. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. We got it wrong. I deserve to be battered. 'Is there a tendency for me to refer to a black player's pace or strength as opposed to their skill or match intelligence? ', Minto had fronted Sky Sports' EFL coverage, as well as presenting their LaLiga programmes. 'Can Manchester United score? View our online Press Pack. Sky Sports' Martin Tyler has shared his memories of John Motson, after his legendary fellow commentator died at the age of 77 on Thursday. I can see her from here," before swearing and adding: "What do women know about the offside rule?". 'The underlying insinuation of tweets immediately linking mine and Alex Scott's names makes for some uncomfortable truths. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. 'Hello, hello. Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter with the day's key headlines and transfer news straight into your inbox. Tyldesley was the voice of a number of memorable European nights on ITV but none come close to Liverpool's stunning comeback against AC Milan in 2005. By 'While the decision wasnt mine, I leave Sky with nothing but fond memories of covering the EFL, Play-Offs, Carabao Cup, Spanish Football, Revista De La Liga, and many more. The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications. Sky confirmed that the incident in question is a new YouTube clip that emerged today, that showed Gray making sexist comments to co-presenter Charlotte Jackson before going on air. Erik ten Hag speaks exclusively to Sky Sports News' Melissa Reddy ahead of the Carabao Cup final on Man Utd's togetherness and more. Then in the next breath he is switching on to find the perfect words for the great moment. Last updated on 21 December 202121 December 2021.From the section Cricket. A fantastic commentator who will be sorely missed. Enjoyed my time at sky sports, time to look forward to lifes next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team which include @CazzaEccles @CarlyBassett @tvtrevstats amongst many others, good luck all have a lovely day . It is thought that with the show's panel being made up entirely of white men of a certain age, Sky felt that Soccer Saturday's existing format had run its course. "Can somebody just answer me this: What does Micah Richards, Alex Scott, Sol Campbell, Clinton Morrison, or any other black pundit have to do with Sky's decision to get rid of these guys? I'm not sorry for me, I'm sorry for Sian Massey. Pundit Micah Richards and Goals on Sunday co-host Alex Scott are two of the names linked with replacing them on the show, but both have faced a backlash on social media. "Thank you Bumble for your service. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, Bruno Fernandes invites us on a journey into the Ten Hag process as Man Utd prepare for the Carabao Cup final Jamie Carragher has branded Liverpool's performance in their 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Real Madrid on Tuesday as "embarrassing" and "shambolic". Graham Little. What have they done, what have these guys done? Liverpool were crushed by the Italian giants in the first half, going in 3-0 down at the break in Istanbul. The time he shared a campervan with Hussain on the 2018 tour of New Zealand was also memorable, particularly when I stumbled across Bumble having a cuppa outside the van in Mount Maunganui and he sarcastically remarked the stunning beach view had nothing on Blackpool. The pair are now flagship presenters of the BeIN Sports channels. "There is not inherent sexism at Sky, nor in the sports department or the football department. If this starts to change that, it would give me some pleasure.". Please turn on JavaScript. "We've expressed our disappointment to Andy Gray's representatives about the comments that have been reported in the media over the last 48 hours. The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications. Up to $10 000 in daily prizes, MLS is back! That is sad, not only because he is a fine person but a brilliant broadcaster. Andy Gray, the Sky Sports presenter at the centre of a sexism storm following derogatory comments about a female official, has been sacked by the broadcaster in response to "new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour". Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world. A left . Why are people upset?.". The disgraced duo left the broadcaster in infamous circumstances following comments they made in 2011, but what was said? "Sian only wants to be notable for her performance as an assistant referee and is keen for things to get back to normal so she can return to officiating as soon as possible.". Sky lost one great commentator in Michael Holding earlier this year and now we have lost another in Bumble. The ex-Manchester City star tweeted yesterday: 'I saw I was trending today in relation to a brilliant and institutional Sky Sports TV show that I've never even been on. Something went wrong, please try again later. PGMO general manager Mike Riley said: "PGMO and Sian believe that with any football match the focus should not be on the officials but on the players and the game itself. Bruno: People doubted we'd be in this position; Ten Hag made us believe, Carra: Liverpool 'embarrassing' | 'I'd take Van Dijk's place at the moment', Nev: Fans worried Glazers will stay | 'Horse has bolted' on state ownership, PL clubs laugh off new Super League push | A22: We don't need English teams, Neville: We must persist with VAR | The good far outweighs the bad, Neville: Pep must switch tactics vs Arsenal | 'Gunners wobble unsurprising', How Anfield 'brain drain' has hurt Klopp's Liverpool, Merson Says: What have Leeds done? It's been a great show. He presented the Waterloo Cup crown green bowls (independently produced) for Sky Sports until the mid-2000s. Bookmark. He said the death of former England bowler and Sky pundit Bob Willis in 2019, plus former England captains David Gower and Ian Botham and former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding leaving Sky recently had informed his decision. Speaking to MailOnline on June 30, Le Tissier said he was completely against racism but did not agree with some aims of the protest groups. Featured review. "I apologise most sincerely to Azeem and to the Asian community for doing this, and for any offence caused," he said. The pair wolf-whistled and chanted: 'Get your t**s out for the lads!'. It has been reported that talkSPORT are set to snap him up for their coverage of Englands Test series in the Caribbean next March. 'This happens to everybody in the industry. Ella Gillett of Cambridge, GB. Hayley Mcqueen. On the latest Gary Neville Podcast, the Sky Sports pundit discusses Man Utd fan concerns about the Glazers and the issue of states investing in football clubs. Tyldesley wrote: 'My experiences in football are considerable and what I have seen and experienced over the years has gradually formed my opinion. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Why? Keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed teeth mouths. Yeah, I know. He hung up his boots in 2003 before joining Sky's punditry panel shortly after. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.". You know, like everybody else in football, I am a matter of opinion, I totally get that and I totally respect ITV's right to change their opinion of me. Sky Sports commentator sacked in sexism row January 26, 2011 5.09am Save Share Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size One of English football's leading television commentators, Andy Gray, was shown to stuff a microphone into his trousers and ask his female co-presenter to "tuck that down here for me". In January 2011,long-time Sky Sports commentators RichardKeys and Andy Gray were forced to leave the broadcasting companyafter the leak of several tapes in which the duo were found to make derogatory, sexist comments about female referee Sian Massey and other female figures in the industry. Stelling tweeted: 'One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departures of three of my best mates. They weren't a million miles away under Marsch, Nev: Liverpool need to wake themselves up | 'Man Utd look happy again', Nev: Man Utd not ready for title race | Keane: They must be ready to pounce. A football commentator has been sacked after announcing he was late back on air for the second half after going for a "jobby". While fans have admitted that Croft does become a little . On Wednesday, it was revealed that Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas had been told about their own redundancies. So farewell Bumble, it was fun while it lasted. Mark Chapman. 'I would like to wish the staff and teams at Sky all the very best for the forthcoming season - a season which is set to be truly spectacular both in the Premier League and EFL. I look forward to being back on the screen soon. The new footage, which was recorded in December but only came to light on Monday night, appears to show Gray making a suggestive comment towards colleague Charlotte Jackson, who does not openly react, and he and Keys then burst out laughing. Creating a new men's skincare product leads to a sticky situation in Lord Sugar's boardroom Want to get into cricket? Why are people upset? Much like BBC's star-studded commentary panel, Sky Cricket also have an equally popular commentary panel. I can stand up and take a beating. Personal highlights include when he was manager of the English press pack football team on the 2013 Ashes tour, with the decision by the lifelong Accrington Stanley fan in choosing to start this particular reporter on the bench in Perth ultimately vindicated when our team beat the Australian hacks 3-2. The Premier League confirmed that Keys had called Massey to apologise, but that did not stop himfrom continuing blaming the ordeal on "misguided fun"and referring to"lads' mag humour", attributing it as normal inpubs, clubs and dressing rooms across the country. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Sky Sports said it had sacked Gray "in response to new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour". "It's been an immense privilege to try and bring the sport I love into people's homes up and down the country.". Both were sacked from Sky . One wrote: 'ITV replacing Clive Tyldesley is a terrible decision. Scott, who played for Arsenal's women's team, has become a prominent pundit in recent years, featuring on Sky Sports and the BBC. Sky Sports Football Presenters . Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world.. ", Keys went to remark on the newspaper column by the West Ham United vice chair Karren Brady, saying: "The game's gone mad. Earlier this month Le Tissier announced he would be temporarily quitting the social media platform Twitter, saying he had been repeatedly targeted by cyber bullies who were attempting to force him out of his job. Kelly Cates. "I have spoken to Sian. Before it was announced that Gray had been sacked, Arthur Smith, general secretary of the Referees' Association, told BBC Sport's Dan Roan that Massey was hurt by the comments. subsequently disciplined. Football's return after the coronavirus pandemic saw attention pull away from the pitch, after Matt Le Tissier claimed TV bosses asked him to wear a Black Lives Matter badge during Soccer Saturday. I gather one or two sites are reporting that I've been sacked. He recently contributed a piece for Sportsmailabout how stereotyping in commentary is morally wrong, after a report from a Danish research firm found there was a clear racial bias in football commentary. That is only fair to those connected with the clubs and their supporters. The three long-serving football experts were given the boot on. Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee hearing. The news comes as a massive jolt to a lot of fans who have been accustomed to Croft's style of commentary on an F1 weekend. "Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour. Quite a few people have been in touch with me, asking me to react, to comment, um, I'm not sure that would be a very good idea at the moment. Published: 10:52 GMT, 27 August 2020 | Updated: 16:27 GMT, 27 August 2020. I would have been interested in commentating on the Euro 2020 final for them less than 48 hours ago but now I won't be commentating on any of the big England games over the coming year and I'm going to miss them. 'These guys, Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson, they've had an unbelievable run. Huge boost for fans as Premier League 'enter talks with Soccer Sack-urday: Sky Sports give Matt Le Tissier, Charlie SPORTS AGENDA: BBC Sport staff member blasts the broadcaster Jamie Carragher leaves his fellow pundits in stitches as he Can somebody just answer me this: What does Micah Richards, Alex Scott, Sol Campbell, Clinton Morrison, or any other black pundit have to do with Sky's decision to get rid of these guys? He later responded to Ian Wright's video, saying: 'Totally agree with you Ian Wright, excellent point well made, racism should be left out of this completely but from one middle aged bloke to another I thought I did a decent job'. Moved aside. There is a sports room, a little boisterous like a dressing room up and down the country. David Jones. The former Everton and Aston Villa player, believed to be on a seven-figure salary and a key component in Sky Sports' growth story over 20 years, recently began legal action against the News of the World another arm of Rupert Murdoch's empire over phone hacking allegations. I accept that. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world. Outside of Lineker, Alan Shearer is the highest-paid Match of the Day pundit on an annual salary of 395,000 ($550k) - down 50,000 from the previous rate of 445,000 a year. 'They are the two main points for me. I kiss my teeth, say raasclaat and all that sort of stuff. John Inverdale, Henry Blofeld, and Ian Robertson found themselves sidelined, whileCornelius Lysaght and Mark Pougatch were informed they had no future at Radio 5 Live. Like that time when Carlos Brathwaite hit four sixes in the last over off Ben Stokes to win the 2016 T20 World Cup for West Indies. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. I'm not sorry for me, I'm sorry for Sian Massey. The statement was made in a final attempt to save his job, but was not well-received. Scott responded to Wright's tweet with four heart emojis.