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. Thompson said his 22 years on the show were 'great' and wished the show luck going forward, Le Tissier broke his Twitter silence on Wednesday to thank those who he has worked with. Sky Sports News' senior reporter Melissa Reddy analyses how the departure of key figures off the pitch has left Liverpool as a club in transition. Eilidh Barbour. "I am hugely excited by the future and will be sharing news soon of my next project. Commentator David Lloyd has left Sky Sports after 22 years. He also famously captured the moment Manchester United won the European Cup against Bayern Munich in dramatic fashion in 1999, saying: 'Beckham into Sheringham and Solskjaer has won it! 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. Up to $10 000 in daily prizes, MLS is back! . They will be lucky to have him. The 55-year-old and colleague Richard Keys had been stood down for Monday's match between Bolton and Chelsea. Commentator David Lloyd has left Sky Sports after 22 years. Why are people upset?.". The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications. View our online Press Pack. Gary Neville insists Manchester United are not in the title race but Roy Keane disagrees and says his former side "have to be ready to pounce". We wholeheartedly apologise for our behaviour. The news comes less than 24 hours after Sky released a statement regarding the aforementioned Le Tissier and co. "Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. It is understood that Sky had originally planned to treat Gray's exchange with Burton as part of the same disciplinary charge but the emergence of the new evidence made his position untenable. A source at ITV also stressed that the move freed up Tyldesley to work for other broadcasters, which he has done. 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. Former darts world champion Eric Bristow has been sacked by Sky Sports after suggesting that footballers who have been sexually abused by coaches when they are younger are not "proper men". After issuing a warning yesterday, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information today.". ", Keys attempted to apologise one last time before the end of his final hour-long broadcast, saying, "One last time, sorry. Sky told SunSport: We are changing some parts of our football coverage Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes., Confirming his dismissal, Le Tissier wrote on Twitter: "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 which include @CazzaEccles @CarlyBassett @tvtrevstats amongst many others, good luck all have a lovely day. Sky said in a statement that the new evidence related to "an off-air incident that took place in December 2010" and "came to light after Andy Gray had already been subjected to disciplinary action for his comments of 22 January 2011". I can see her from here," before swearing and adding: "What do women know about the offside rule?". 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. 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. Liverpool were crushed by the Italian giants in the first half, going in 3-0 down at the break in Istanbul. , Swanson is unstoppable! It follows the sacking of Soccer Saturday trio Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson, which were revealed on Wednesday amid growing backlash against the decision, with some claiming it is because they are white men. 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. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. Yeah. "If you're in a pub and a masculine type is bothering someone at the bar, we don't like that. They always score! ", Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Andy Gray was recorded criticising a female assistant referee and saying they "probably don't know the offside rule". Jeff Stelling, the Sky Sports presenter, expressed his dismay and accused ITV of 'ageism', which the broadcaster has . 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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. . Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world.. Yeah, I know. Do me a favour, love.". Gary Neville says Pep Guardiola is likely to revert to a more conventional back four for Manchester City's huge Premier League showdown against Arsenal on Wednesday. The 49-year-old began presenting for Sky in 2006 after . Do me a favour, love.". Keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed teeth mouths. 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. "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. Ageism alive and well in UK broadcasting.'. He doesnt make commentary about him. In January 2011, long-time Sky Sports commentators Richard Keys and Andy Gray were forced to leave the broadcasting company after the leak of several tapes in which the duo were found to make . saying that Massey and other female assistant referees "did not know the offside rule". A football commentator has been sacked after announcing he was late back on air for the second half after going for a "jobby". Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world. They might get a chance to do this show. There is an attitude that exists such as that. No! Mark Chapman. ITV have replaced me as their main football commentator pic.twitter.com/S8UOjvwEck. The 74-year-old former England coach, nicknamed 'Bumble', joined Sky in 1999 after his three-year stint with the national team. ", Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. ', Former Liverpool defender Thompson tweeted: 'Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today. The USWNT has a new superstar , 'They're taking the p*ss!' 09:52 GMT 14 Jul 2020 Will Griffee For Mailonline Not for myself. A fantastic commentator who will be sorely missed. Paul Merson says it will be difficult for manager Graham Potter to recover if Chelsea compound a poor run of form with a loss to London rivals Tottenham on Sunday. 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. Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA, Keys, was originally suspended yesterday after a Sunday newspaper published a transcript, in footage leaked to sister channel Sky News. 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". Here we go. This is Sky's decision to evolve the show, and you know what, I wish them all the very best. They have been part of a team that for me was the best. 'Remember the name Wayne Rooney! Sign up here for is Inside the Ashes newsletter to get daily news, interviews and analysis from Down Under. Can you believe that? During Liverpool's 3-0 Premier League victory against Wolves, when Massey made a tightoffside decision that was found to be completely correct upon video replay, Keys said, thinking their microphones had been switched off:Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her Massey.. Andy Gray and Richard Keys caught on camera speaking to Clare Tomlinson in clip from early 2000s. "Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour. "It has been a truly fantastic experience and a privilege to work with, and alongside, so many talented individuals. Female linesman. Electronic Arts, which produces football video games, refused to comment on whether Gray would be used as a commentator in the future. A number of disappointed fans reacted to the news on social media. Tyldesley, a fan favourite over the years, will be working on next year's delayed European Championship but not in the lead role. Lloyd last month apologised to former Yorkshire all-rounder Azeem Rafiq, who accused him of making disparaging comments about Asian players. Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter with the day's key headlines and transfer news straight into your inbox. That is sad, not only because he is a fine person but a brilliant broadcaster. Paul Merson has questioned Leeds' decision to sack boss Jesse Marsch with two games in four days coming up against Man Utd, starting at Old Trafford on Wednesday. 'Yes, you can be disappointed that it's come to an end for those guys. Forget what I said -they probably dont know the offside rule," Gray added. But the changes faced huge criticism, prompting former Arsenal striker Wright, 56, to pull over his car and post a heartfelt video online people to stop their 'racism'. We failed to change when the world has changed. 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. 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See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? "I would like to wish the staff and teams at Sky all the best for the coming season - a season which is set to be truly spectacular both in the Premier League and EFL. Yeah. David Lloyd's 22-year career at Sky is over after the broadcaster's investigation into allegations he made racist comments about Asian players. He was a first-class umpire from 1985 to 1987 and became Lancashire coach in 1993. Bobby Bulloch thought he was having a wee laugh by announcing his. Gary Neville says the Premier League must persist with the use of VAR despite a controversial weekend of decisions as "the good far outweighs the bad". The pair were Peace and love.'. The News of the World is a subsidiary of News Corporation, which owns a large stake in BSkyB and is seeking to purchase the whole company. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. To be clear this is ITV's decision, not mine. 'The only thing he cares about is destroying me': Preview the scandalous story of divorce between the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, Paddy and Christine McGuinness open up in a raw and intimate documentary. 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. Burton said "apparently, a female lino today, bit of a looker", with Gray responding: "A female linesman? Sky Cricket Commentators 2021. By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer February 26, 2023. Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip. Anothertape was revealed consisting of Gray crudely discussing Massey's physical appearance with a different colleague - Andy Burton. I can stand up and take a beating. TV pundit Andy Gray has admitted he was close to suicide after being caught making a cheap sexist comment on Sky Sports. 'Is there a tendency for me to refer to a black player's pace or strength as opposed to their skill or match intelligence? The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications. "Sian has the full backing of PGMO and we hope she continues her development, which has shown excellent progress so far. 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. The statement was made in a final attempt to save his job, but was not well-received. Enjoy The Ride - Sky Sports F1 Promo 2023 . "There is not inherent sexism at Sky, nor in the sports department or the football department. Well, I guess I have from one job but I've done nothing wrong. ', 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.'. The Ultimate Trivia Battle! Gray and Keys have been the face of Sky Sports' football coverage since the satellite broadcaster started showing English top-flight matches in 1992. Yeah, I know. [4] On 14 July 2020, ITV announced that Matterface would replace Clive Tyldesley as lead football and England commentator at the start of the . 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. The trolls turned on the football pundit for criticising the governments handling of the Covid-19 crisis. David Prutton. Sky News reported that the pair discussed Massey's appearance, with Burton referring to Massey as "a bit of a looker" while Gray asks: "What do women know about the offside rule?". From Miami to Manchester! ', Sky Sports has sacked pundits (from left) Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas, The Soccer Saturday trio Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas have also lost their jobs. 'What's it got to do with Black Lives Matter, or the fact that black people may get an opportunity to get those jobs? 'I am hugely excited by the future and will be sharing news soon of my next project. "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. E. Author of the review. Which Sky Sports presenters have been sacked? Caroline Barker. Merson Says: Curtains for Potter if Chelsea lose at Spurs? His phenomenal strike left David Seaman stranded and ended Arsenal's 30-match unbeaten run, announcing himself as the next big thing in the process. It has been reported that talkSPORT are set to snap him up for their coverage of Englands Test series in the Caribbean next March. I am quite happy for them to have their point of view, but that is mine and that is where I sit. ', Minto had fronted Sky Sports' EFL coverage, as well as presenting their LaLiga programmes. Almost forgotten sports presenters/commentators. Rafiq fully accepted that apology and on Tuesday was reported to have told friends he had not intended for anything like this to happen. "The comments weren't great but I think it was a joke and I have got a feeling they might be linked in some way," Reid told BBC Radio 4's PM. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Ella Gillett of Cambridge, GB. See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? I look forward to being back on screen very soon.". Thompson, Le Tissier and Nicholas regularly traded jibes with each other, while letting out instantly recognisable squeals of delight or anguish at goals or near misses. Anothertape was revealed consisting of Gray crudely discussing Massey's physical appearance with a different colleague - Andy Burton. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. "The commentary box feels a little emptier," he said. By Sky Sports said none of the presenters were obliged to wear the badge. 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. He started presenting on Sky Sports News in July 2007, before leaving in late 2010. Forget what I said -they probably dont know the offside rule," Gray added. From Miami to Manchester! Soon after Gray was sacked, the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) withdrew Massey from Tuesday's game at Crewe. 'I'm the same broadcaster, the same person that I've always been, like me or hate me, and you're entitled to do either. 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. The pundit had already been disciplined for sexist comments made about female referee Sian Massey before Saturday's match between Wolves and Liverpool. A primary reason behind keeping the viewers engaged on a rain-affected Day 3 was the quality of analysis on Sky Sports Cricket. The three long-serving football experts were given the boot on Tuesday in a remarkable move by the TV company who have been aggressively cutting staff numbers. Among other things, Minto has fronted coverage of the EFL and Spanish La Liga, and the 49-year-old released a statement confirming his departure on Thursday. 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". Speaking outside his home near Southampton, he said: 'I just don't agree with some of the points of that movement - specifically the defunding of the police and the anti capitalist points are things I do not agree with. The pair are now flagship presenters of the BeIN Sports channels. [3] On 12 January 2018, Matterface was confirmed as Matt Chapman's replacement as commentator for ITV 's Dancing on Ice. 'I was told about three weeks ago so I have had some time to get my head around the decision but I haven't got my head around it. What?'. Goal takes a look. 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"From whiners to winners" - that's how Gary Neville described Erik ten Hag's transformation at Manchester United after their Carabao Cup final win. Bad.". Matt Le Tissier said he would a Black Lives Matter badge (circled) on Sky Sports but did not support their anti-capitalism aims. ', said Tyldesley as Rooney wildly celebrated at Goodison Park. ITV appear to be following the BBC's lead in culling older much-loved talent. Last updated on 21 December 202121 December 2021.From the section Cricket. I can stand up and take a beating. Stelling appeared gutted by the news, writing on Twitter in reply to Le Tissier: "One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. , updated This BBC Sport guide tells you how to and provides a glossary for those new to the sport. At present we have no plans to change the way we work with Andy. Sky said it is investigating Lloyd's alleged comments. With current restrictions due to end in April, the Serbian 22-time grand slam winner wants dispensation to enter the country and play the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open. 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. There is a sports room, a little boisterous like a dressing room up and down the country. Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas were told during a meeting with chiefs yesterday that their time on the show was up, but ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson was retained. Stelling, who has presented Soccer Saturday for nearly 30 years, is said to have been furious when Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson and Matt Le Tissier were asked to leave the show last year. Former Manchester United boss Ron Atkinson, who resigned from his position as ITV co-commentator in April 2004 after making an off-air racist comment, also suggested Gray may have been unfortunate to lose his job. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. "I've decided the time is now right to pass on the microphone," said Lloyd. 'The underlying insinuation of tweets immediately linking mine and Alex Scott's names makes for some uncomfortable truths. Sky Sports review: Sky sports commentators. The furore began on Saturday when Keys and Gray, believing their microphones were switched off, were recorded before the "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. It is now expected Sky Sports will bring in new faces for the coming campaign, in order to freshen up the popular football show and keep Soccer Saturday current. Graham Little. ", Gray then said: "No, I wouldn't. Scott was trending on Twitter last night as many praised her as one of the most talented football pundits in the UK, but she was also hit with a slew of sexist tweets. Teddy Sheringham then fired home an equaliser before another David Beckham delivery was flicked on by Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer poked home to win the European Cup for United. Matterface was then was appointed earlier this year to come into the role, starting in time for the new season, which then became delayed due to the coronavirus crisis. Bumble was the lead commentator but he turned to Ian Bishop and said this is West Indies moment. "They were utterly inappropriate and totally sexist," said Arthur, who represents 11,000 referees in the UK. A REMINDER:This Clive Tyldesley commentary on Manchester United winning the Champions League in 1999 pic.twitter.com/oWstcfYi6o, With the news that Clive Tyldesley is being replaced as ITVs main football commentator, I think its only fair to remind everyone just how good he is at his job. Le Tissier also declared he was taking a break from social media earlier this month when he was attacked by online trolls calling for him to be sacked by Sky. Published: 10:52 GMT, 27 August 2020 | Updated: 16:27 GMT, 27 August 2020. Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. 'They are the two main points for me. While fans have admitted that Croft does become a little . Niall Sloane, Director of ITV Sport, said: 'On behalf of ITV Sport, I would like to thank Clive for his superb work leading our commentary on some of the biggest occasions in world football throughout his outstanding career with us. What exactly did the two say? So farewell Bumble, it was fun while it lasted. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. 464 were here. ", Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso put the Reds on level terms, to which Tyldesley claimed 'Miracles are possible' before Liverpool went on to win their fifth European Cup on penalties. Sky sports commentators. Former Tottenham . Tue 25 Jan 2011 16.26 EST The Sky Sports football pundit Andy Gray has been fired for "unacceptable and offensive behaviour" amid the furore over his comments about a female assistant referee.