"They were utterly inappropriate and totally sexist," said Arthur, who represents 11,000 referees in the UK. Female linesman. Stelling tweeted: 'Clive does more prep and stats than me - and his are useful! 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. . This BBC Sport guide tells you how to and provides a glossary for those new to the sport. 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. ', he questioned as United went in search of a goal. He presented the Waterloo Cup crown green bowls (independently produced) for Sky Sports until the mid-2000s. 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. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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". After issuing a warning yesterday, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information today.". Scott Minto (right) is the latest former player to be made redundant by Sky Sports this summer. I gather one or two sites are reporting that I've been sacked. "Thank you Bumble for your service. Up to $10 000 in daily prizes, How Man Utd can end their Anfield hoodoo , Where next for Neymar? Please turn on JavaScript. One wrote: 'ITV replacing Clive Tyldesley is a terrible decision. He recently caused a stir on social media for wearing a Black Lives Matter badge on the programme after suggesting to his half-a-million Twitter followers that he was against the idea. The pair wolf-whistled and chanted: 'Get your t**s out for the lads!'. Erik ten Hag speaks exclusively to Sky Sports News' Melissa Reddy ahead of the Carabao Cup final on Man Utd's togetherness and more. 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. The pair have become synonymous with the. Sky lost one great commentator in Michael Holding earlier this year and now we have lost another in Bumble. Easily. I've not even thought about winding down towards retirement or anything like that. Somebodys f*cked up big., Keys was also found to have made a comment aboutWest Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady's newspaper column, saying:"The game's gone mad. A fantastic commentator who will be sorely missed. News of the World phone-hacking scandal. "It has no part of the game. 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. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. "All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. 'Remember the name Wayne Rooney! ITV appear to be following the BBC's lead in culling older much-loved talent. Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said on Tuesday: "Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour. The statement was made in a final attempt to save his job, but was not well-received. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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 49-year-old began presenting for Sky in 2006 after . Sky has only so far issued a statement saying: '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.'. The more people are attracted to the game the better standards will be and the more everyone can talk about the football. ", "He [a Sky Sports crew member] says she [Massey] is all right," Burton continued, "now I don't know if I should trust his judgment on that? Sky has sacked football presenter Andy Gray after further allegations of his sexist behaviour came to light. On Monday, additional video footage emerged of Gray, a former Scotland international and striker with Aston Villa, Wolves and Everton, talking off-air with Sky Sports' pitchside reporter Andy Burton about Massey. "The commentary box feels a little emptier," he said. But they've done brilliantly. 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. Gray has gone to the High Court in an attempt to force private investigator Glenn Mulcaire to reveal which News of the World journalists asked him to hack into his phone. What have they done, what have these guys done? 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. Can you believe that? Sky Sports' Andy Walker believes Celtic will extend their lead over Rangers before the end of the season. "I've decided the time is now right to pass on the microphone," said Lloyd. He was a first-class umpire from 1985 to 1987 and became Lancashire coach in 1993. 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. "There is not inherent sexism at Sky, nor in the sports department or the football department. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Sky said it is investigating Lloyd's alleged comments. ", 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". He hung up his boots in 2003 before joining Sky's punditry panel shortly after. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. He said bosses at Sky had asked him and other pundits to wear the logo for their appearances and he agreed, but pointed out he supported'the cause, not the organisation'. Get latest scores and headlines sent straight to your phone, sign-up to our newsletter and learn where to find us on online. "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? Hayley Mcqueen. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world.. Former Southampton superstar and England ace Le Tissier, 51, was a hugely popular member of Stellings Saturday team. '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. Former Reds skipper and England star Thompson won 16 major titles with his beloved Liverpool including seven First Division titles, three European Cup, one FA Cup and two League Cup successes. We got it wrong. 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. ", Glittering drama based on the audacious Brinks-Mat security depot heist, A corrupt copper and a Leeds gangster are bound together by decades of dishonesty. Jeff Stelling, the Sky Sports presenter, expressed his dismay and accused ITV of 'ageism', which the broadcaster has denied. Yeah. Rafiq fully accepted that apology and on Tuesday was reported to have told friends he had not intended for anything like this to happen. Sky on Tuesday refused to comment on the. That is sad, not only because he is a fine person but a brilliant broadcaster. The pundit had already been disciplined for sexist comments made about female. "I have spoken to Sian. He's now openly gay. "I am hugely excited by the future and will be sharing news soon of my next project. 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. Former Southampton star Le Tissier was a hugely popular member of Stelling's Saturday team, though has courted controversy several times in the past. They trailed Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp in the Champions League final thanks toMario Basler's goal before Tyldesley came up with a gem of a line. While fans have admitted that Croft does become a little . Enjoy The Ride - Sky Sports F1 Promo 2023 . Mike Riley, the general manager of Professional Game Match Officials 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. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.". Family man Le Tissier lashed out at his online critics for trying to ruin my life and get me sacked before taking a break from Twitter. ", Keys attempted to apologise one last time before the end of his final hour-long broadcast, saying, "One last time, sorry. 'We are very glad he will continue with us and look forward to working with him on many more occasions in the future.'. The 74-year-old former England coach, nicknamed 'Bumble', joined Sky in 1999 after his three-year stint with the national team. Among those paying tribute to Bumbles warm personality and brilliance behind the microphone included former England internationals Mark Butcher and Ebony Rainford-Brent, while former Sky colleague Nasser Hussain said: He is one of the all-time great commentators and a wonderful human being. 'Is there a tendency for me to refer to a black player's pace or strength as opposed to their skill or match intelligence? MATT LE TISSIER has been kicked off Sky Sports along with his fellow Soccer Saturday pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. 'I love this job, and it has gone. "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. You do it. "If you're in a pub and a masculine type is bothering someone at the bar, we don't like that. During lockdown, the popular commentator kept people entertained by commentating over clips of children playing football and even his wife's homemade lasagne. 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. ', 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. Here we go. A. - Jose has become a laughing stock, Arsenal's plans to avoid bottling the title, Exclusive: Kovacic on Modric, CR7 and THAT Liverpool goal. Yeah, I know. Bumble senses when the viewer needs cheering up and can always bring a smile to their faces, whether it is by singing Sweet Caroline or just making a little one-liner. I love my work and I've got plenty on, so I'm not making a statement or anything like that, this is not a grave matter of state, I'm just trying to explain, just telling you that I'm really really disappointed about this, I don't know why I'm being replaced, I'm well, able and available and I'm just going to miss the England games so much, even more than I miss the Champions League games and that's all.'. ", Keys attempted to apologise one last time before the end of his final hour-long broadcast, saying, "One last time, sorry. 'Asking me if it is something that I have done no there's nothing. The pair are now flagship presenters of the BeIN Sports channels. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.". 'What's it got to do with Black Lives Matter, or the fact that black people may get an opportunity to get those jobs? Another Sky Sports presenter is sacked: Scott Minto is the latest 'middle aged white guy' big name to be fired after Soccer Saturday hosts Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. Matt Le Tissier said he would a Black Lives Matter badge (circled) on Sky Sports but did not support their anti-capitalism aims. 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". The trolls turned on the football pundit for criticising the governments handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Creating a new men's skincare product leads to a sticky situation in Lord Sugar's boardroom Want to get into cricket? Bookmark. He admitted that himself and phoned Rafiq personally to apologise, as well apologising to the wider Asian community and affirming his commitment to making cricket a more inclusive sport. "From whiners to winners" - that's how Gary Neville described Erik ten Hag's transformation at Manchester United after their Carabao Cup final win. 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. Earlier this season Le Tissier caused a stir when responding to comments regarding his and Sky's public support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign, saying he would be evaluating his own personal stance. Forget what I said -they probably dont know the offside rule," Gray added. ", Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. 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. Yours was the voice of my sporting youth, Champions League on terrestrial was appointment viewing. Brady said the comments made her "blood boil" while the England captain Rio Ferdinand labelled them "prehistoric". Media requires JavaScript to play. On Wednesday, it was revealed that Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas had been told about their own redundancies. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Sky Sports' Martin Tyler has shared his memories of John Motson, after his legendary fellow commentator died at the age of 77 on Thursday. Goal takes a look. She's fine. Former Tottenham . Bumble was the lead commentator but he turned to Ian Bishop and said this is West Indies moment. 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. 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. Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today. I think a lot of people in the country would agree with me. '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. You cant be further from the truth and I feel incredibly sorry for you that there is so little joy in your life, you resort to this., Moment Aston Villa's Leon Bailey inhales 'laughing gas' after all night party, 'Professional boxer' Paul teases announcement with hilarious video after Fury loss, Mason Greenwood's England future revealed after rejecting country switch, Nicky Butt quit Man Utd as he couldnt stand players beating him to team, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Merse says while Erik ten Hag has done a great job at Man Utd, he should be winning silverware, before predicting the battle to beat the drop will go the distance. Gary Neville believes Harry Kane must leave Tottenham this summer if he wants to win trophies and feels a move to Manchester United is his most likely option. The 58-year-old's playing career came to an end in 1996 before he turned to punditry. They always score! 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. That is only fair to those connected with the clubs and their supporters. 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. Nev: Man Utd will need 'something really special' to beat Liverpool, Walker: Gap to Celtic will get bigger | 'Rangers can't match their quality', Merson Says: Man Utd should be winning trophies | Relegation will go to the wire, Nev: Man Utd most likely for Kane | 'I'd only pay 50m-60m for Rice', Tyler: Motson set the standard for commentators, 'From whiners to winners' - Neville on how Ten Hag has transformed Man Utd, Redknapp: Liverpool must win next two home games to finish in top four, Ten Hag on Man Utd togetherness and making Sir Alex proud, Carragher: Newcastle must pretend it's the last 30 minutes to beat Man Utd. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world. 'Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. From Miami to Manchester! Goal takes a look. , 'They're taking the p*ss!' "And Solskjaer has won it!" All rights reserved. See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? If this starts to change that, it would give me some pleasure.". What exactly did the two say? The 74-year-old former England coach, nicknamed 'Bumble', joined Sky in 1999 after his three-year stint with the national team. 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. 'ITV have been really good for me and yes I'll carry on as their No 2 commentator but let me make it quite clear, I have not stepped down, I have been moved. Forget what I said -they probably dont know the offside rule," Gray added. Burton said "apparently, a female lino today, bit of a looker", with Gray responding: "A female linesman? 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. As well as being regulars on Soccer Saturday, Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas often featured on the Sky Sports News channel to discuss topics and breaking news. Gray replied: Why is there a female linesman? But why does it have to be racially driven? ", Betting exchange Betfair, which employs Gray as a football columnist, said it is "reviewing the situation". The presenter follows pundits Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas out the door after it was announced the trio had been axed from Sky's Soccer Saturday on Wednesday. It is believed he felt that he had not been consulted properly and felt a sense of loyalty to the trio. The pundit had already been disciplined for sexist comments made about female referee Sian Massey before Saturday's match between Wolves and Liverpool. Earlier on Tuesday it was announced that Burton was "spoken to and warned" about his remarks and he would not be involved in Sky's coverage of Wednesday's Carling Cup tie between Birmingham and West Ham. 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. Gray has been a very visible presence in its latest advertising campaigns. "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. I can see her from here," before swearing and adding: "What do women know about the offside rule?". Sky Sports said it had sacked Gray "in response to new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour". Ive had a great 22 years with @SkySports.Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today.Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on @SoccerSaturday. Nov 06, 2021 10:35 am EDT. Gray has been a key part of Sky's football coverage, Massey has found herself at the centre of a media storm, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. "I apologise most sincerely to Azeem and to the Asian community for doing this, and for any offence caused," he said. Tyldesley wrote: 'My experiences in football are considerable and what I have seen and experienced over the years has gradually formed my opinion. 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 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. It has proven to be a good prediction with Rooney going on to become England and Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer. That is not to defend what happened. I accept that. 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. Tyldesley, a fan favourite over the years, will be working on next year's delayed European Championship but not in the lead role. 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 . I look forward to being back on screen very soon.". 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. Paul Merson 27/02/23 2:23pm 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. Liverpool were crushed by the Italian giants in the first half, going in 3-0 down at the break in Istanbul. It reflects what goes on in pubs and clubs," he said. 'I am hugely excited by the future and will be sharing news soon of my next project. Lloyd last month apologised to former Yorkshire all-rounder Azeem Rafiq, who accused him of making disparaging comments about Asian players. 09:52 GMT 14 Jul 2020 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. Kelly Cates. "Sian has the full backing of PGMO and we hope she continues her development, which has shown excellent progress so far. 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. Always a friendly face in press boxes around world, the Bumble you see and hear on screen is exactly the same bloke you get away from the microphone enthusiastic, inquisitive and slightly bonkers in the best possible way. 'Hello, hello. No! 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. Sportsmail understands that Tyldesley and ITV agreed more than two years ago, in early 2018, that his role would change at this point in 2020, because the broadcaster felt that this would be the right moment for a new leading voice. "Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. At present we have no plans to change the way we work with Andy. 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. Terrific memories.'. A community rec center that offers a multitude of sports housed in 60,000+sqft on 12+ Acres in PV. From Miami to Manchester! 2021 Associated Newspapers Limited. I kiss my teeth, say raasclaat and all that sort of stuff. Premier League clubs have privately distanced themselves from the proposed new version of the European Super League, believing it to be laughable, Sky Sports can reveal. Sky have not announced who will replace the trio. Featured review. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. Anothertape was revealed consisting of Gray crudely discussing Massey's physical appearance with a different colleague - Andy Burton. "He is much loved and respected by his fellow commentators and production team who cherish the time spent working with him," read a statement. Baffling as you are as good as ever! That is only fair to those connected with the clubs and their supporters. The derogatory messages about Rafiq and Asians in general that Lloyd admitting sending a journalist close to the former Yorkshire player were unacceptable. 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. 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. 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". Steven Gerrard puts a grain of doubt in the back of Milan minds,' he said. Sky sports commentators. Yeah. Why? Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee hearing. Martin Tyler (born 14 September 1945) is an English football commentator and semi-professional football coach. . Former footballers Micah Richards (left) and Alex Scott (right) are both possible replacements. game at Molineux 'All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack.