I don't consider it harmless banter at all. By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer February 26, 2023. Rob Hawthorne has worked on Sky Sports since 1995 as a commentator. Wright described Scott as 'one of the best prepared pundits out there' andpraised Richards, who recently became a pundit after the conclusion of his playing career. "Betfair doesn't tolerate sexism, and we expect others who represent our brand to share similar values," said a spokesman. It is never about Bumble. 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. That is not to defend what happened. Gray has been a very visible presence in its latest advertising campaigns. 'The underlying insinuation of tweets immediately linking mine and Alex Scott's names makes for some uncomfortable truths. I think a lot of people in the country would agree with me. Martin Tyler (born 14 September 1945) is an English football commentator and semi-professional football coach. He started presenting on Sky Sports News in July 2007, before leaving in late 2010. 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. '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. Manchester United were on the cusp of missing out on an unimaginable 'Treble' of Premier League, FA Cup and European Cup back in 1999. But why does it have to be racially driven? Moved aside. Others undoubtedly have far more entertaining anecdotes about one of the greats of British sports broadcasting, but there is hope this will not be the last we hear of Bumble. Formula 1 2023 - Pre-Season Testing - Live TV Coverage on . Scott Minto has been sacked by Sky Sports as he becomes the latest to fall victim to the broadcaster's on-screen shake-up. Last updated on 21 December 202121 December 2021.From the section Cricket. 'Now listen, there are thousands of people in this country facing up to job losses and disappointments far more serious than this, I am a lucky boy. I kiss my teeth, say raasclaat and all that sort of stuff. 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 . 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. 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. Former footballers Micah Richards (left) and Alex Scott (right) are both possible replacements. 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. The trolls turned on the football pundit for criticising the governments handling of the Covid-19 crisis. There is a sports room, a little boisterous like a dressing room up and down the country. 'Yes, you can be disappointed that it's come to an end for those guys. The statement was made in a final attempt to save his job, but was not well-received. 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. ", Keys attempted to apologise one last time before the end of his final hour-long broadcast, saying, "One last time, sorry. Enjoy The Ride - Sky Sports F1 Promo 2023 . "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. 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. 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 . "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. 'All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world.. 'Is there a tendency for me to refer to a black player's pace or strength as opposed to their skill or match intelligence? 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. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. ", Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. The three long-serving football experts were given the boot on. Jamie Redknapp believes Liverpool's next two games, at home to Wolves and rivals Manchester United four days later, are pivotal for their top-four hopes. 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. 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. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.'. 00:14 GMT 01 Oct 2020. The pair are now flagship presenters of the BeIN Sports channels. Jamie Carragher believes the key for Newcastle to winning the Carabao Cup is to "start the game as if there is only half an hour left" against Man Utd. 'It has been a truly fantastic experience and a privilege to work with, and alongside, so many talented individuals. The Ultimate Trivia Battle! 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. "There is not inherent sexism at Sky, nor in the sports department or the football department. What exactly did the two say? Merson Says: Curtains for Potter if Chelsea lose at Spurs? 464 were here. 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. That is sad, not only because he is a fine person but a brilliant broadcaster. 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. This is Sky's decision to evolve the show, and you know what, I wish them all the very best. Kenny [Dalglish] will go potty.". 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. Sky Sports Football Presenters . To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. 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. 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. Stelling tweeted: 'One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departures of three of my best mates. Yeah, I know. Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip. Scott Minto (right) is the latest former player to be made redundant by Sky Sports this summer. Why is football knowledge measured by the offside rule. ", Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. "Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. No! , updated It's a simple thing, I agree with the cause but there are parts of the organisation that I just cannot support. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. The pair were The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications. Matt Le Tissier said he would a Black Lives Matter badge (circled) on Sky Sports but did not support their anti-capitalism aims. Yeah, I know. The comments, which went to air on Tuesday, were described by Sky News chief executive Paul Whittaker as "totally unacceptable". Atkinson told BBC Radio WM: "I don't know the full story but on the evidence of what I've just heard and what I've read I think a suspension would have been the correct decision. Why are people upset?.". Goal takes a look. There is an attitude that exists such as that. Home Sky Sports Sky Sports Football Presenters, Commentators & Pundits. ', 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.'. News of the World phone-hacking scandal. Gray and Keys have been the face of Sky Sports' football coverage since the satellite broadcaster started showing English top-flight matches in 1992. MATT LE TISSIER has been kicked off Sky Sports along with his fellow Soccer Saturday pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. Lloyd last month apologised to former Yorkshire all-rounder Azeem Rafiq, who accused him of making disparaging comments about Asian players. Tyldesley, a fan favourite over the years, will be working on next year's delayed European Championship but not in the lead role. Graham Little. Both were sacked from Sky . 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. "Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour. Published: 10:52 GMT, 27 August 2020 | Updated: 16:27 GMT, 27 August 2020. The pair discussed Massey's appointment for the game at Molineux on Saturday, speaking when they believed their microphones were switched off. 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. 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. "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? 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. The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications. However, according to Joe Saward in the 'Inside F1' podcast, David Croft could be on his way out of Sky Sports, as the team isn't quite happy with him. 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. He said: 'Alex Scott, for me, is easily one of the best prepared pundits out there. Betfair, the online betting exchange endorsed by Gray, earlier today condemned the former player's behaviour but said it would not be dropping him from its advertising for now. 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. Female linesman. 'This happens to everybody in the industry. Commentator David Lloyd has left Sky Sports after 22 years. A number of disappointed fans reacted to the news on social media. 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. Andy Gray and Richard Keys caught on camera speaking to Clare Tomlinson in clip from early 2000s. I do not know exactly why this decision has been taken, already I've got the producer of a broadcaster I am working on asking if I've got any health issues. Almada, Puig & all the players to watch, How Man Utd can end their Anfield hoodoo , Where next for Neymar? "It's been an immense privilege to try and bring the sport I love into people's homes up and down the country.". Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. During lockdown, the popular commentator kept people entertained by commentating over clips of children playing football and even his wife's homemade lasagne. E. Author of the review. 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". Scott Minto has been sacked by Sky Sports as he becomes the latest to fall victim to the broadcaster's on-screen shake-up. ", 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". On Wednesday, it was revealed that Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas had been told about their own redundancies. ', Another added: 'Hope he gets snapped up by someone', while third posted: 'Hi Clive, I've read the statement ITV put out this morning. The disgraced duo left the broadcaster in infamous circumstances following comments they made in 2011, but what was said? The 74-year-old former England coach, nicknamed 'Bumble', joined Sky in 1999 after his three-year stint with the national team. It reflects what goes on in pubs and clubs," he said. The more people are attracted to the game the better standards will be and the more everyone can talk about the football. Sky sports commentators. While fans have admitted that Croft does become a little . Bad.". 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. saying that Massey and other female assistant referees "did not know the offside rule". 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. "All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? However, the timing of this announcement, just weeks after he was dragged into the Azeem Rafiq racism affair, suggests this wasnt entirely Lloyds decision. '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 comments below have not been moderated. Featured review. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Learn 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. 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.'. ', 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. Refs' chief slams Sky presenters over sexism row. Gray has instructed law firm Schillings to represent him over the termination of his contract, while Massey was withdrawn from her duties as an assistant referee for Tuesday's League Two game between Crewe and Bradford. Le Tissier says he was asked by bosses to wear the Black Lives Matter badge, but stressed he 'could not support' the cause's anti police and capitalist aims. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world.. 09:52 GMT 14 Jul 2020 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'. 'All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. 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. [4] On 14 July 2020, ITV announced that Matterface would replace Clive Tyldesley as lead football and England commentator at the start of the . Electronic Arts, which produces football video games, refused to comment on whether Gray would be used as a commentator in the future. Sky on Tuesday refused to comment on the. Keys added: "Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her.". I deserve to be battered. '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. I think it was sarcastic anyway. Matterface, Tyldesley's replacement, will be continuing in his role as talkSPORT's lead football commentator alongside his new position. 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. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. 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. A fantastic commentator who will be sorely missed. Sky Cricket Commentators 2021. Keys has since telephoned Massey, who has accepted the presenter's apology, though later on Tuesday new footage surfaced on the internet of the Sky presenter where he appeared to make lewd comments off-air to pundit Jamie Redknapp. Jeff Stelling, the Sky Sports presenter, expressed his dismay and accused ITV of 'ageism', which the broadcaster has . 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. Well, I guess I have from one job but I've done nothing wrong. I deserve to be battered. 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. 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. But Gray's former Everton team-mate Peter Reid linked the ex-Sky pundit's dismissal to the 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? The veteran commentator has been sacked from lead role with ITV football; . 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. "I apologise most sincerely to Azeem and to the Asian community for doing this, and for any offence caused," he said. He hung up his boots in 2003 before joining Sky's punditry panel shortly after. Easily. Erik ten Hag speaks exclusively to Sky Sports News' Melissa Reddy ahead of the Carabao Cup final on Man Utd's togetherness and more. "Sian has the full backing of PGMO and we hope she continues her development, which has shown excellent progress so far. Lloyd said he had "wonderful memories" of his time at Sky and had been "lucky to travel the world sharing Ashes highs and lows, World Cup wins and losses, heroics and heartaches with you all". The pair have become synonymous with the. Keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed teeth mouths. Yeah. "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. Ella Gillett of Cambridge, GB. Forget what I said -they probably dont know the offside rule," Gray added. 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 look forward to being back on screen very soon.". 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". Josi scores twice, Predators beat Coyotes 6-2 NHL. ", Keys attempted to apologise one last time before the end of his final hour-long broadcast, saying, "One last time, sorry. She's got that game on merit, she's worked really hard, and it does hurt you. Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright, who works for the BBC, has since lauched an impassioned defence of both Richards and Scott, as well as other personalities linked with the roles, by blasting "racially-driven" criticism. Minto had worked for Sky Sports for the last 13 years, with his sacking coming less than 24 hours after Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas were axed from Soccer Saturday. They always score! Through experiences you gain that wider perspective. "There is not inherent sexism at Sky, nor in the sports department or the football department. 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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. He presented the Waterloo Cup crown green bowls (independently produced) for Sky Sports until the mid-2000s. Sign up here for is Inside the Ashes newsletter to get daily news, interviews and analysis from Down Under. ', he questioned as United went in search of a goal. Bookmark. 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. Bumble was the lead commentator but he turned to Ian Bishop and said this is West Indies moment. That is only fair to those connected with the clubs and their supporters. His son . Nick Halling is a British sports broadcaster and journalist who studied English & Theology at Leeds University. Do me a favour, love.". They were both a joy to work with and both will be sadly missed.. 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. Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Minto joined Sky at the end of his playing career and has been a regular feature on Sky. ", 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. Do me a favour, love.". ", Gray then said: "No, I wouldn't. Sky has sacked football presenter Andy Gray after further allegations of his sexist behaviour came to light. But they've done brilliantly. And Le God formed a brilliant relationship with Liverpools former captain and assistant manager Thommo, 66, and ex-Celtic and Arsenal star Nicholas, 58. I can stand up and take a beating. 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. It is believed he felt that he had not been consulted properly and felt a sense of loyalty to the trio. 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? Legendary commentator Clive Tyldesley has revealed his dejection in an emotional video after being replaced in his lead role with ITV after 22 years in the job. 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. Sky Sports confirmed on Wednesday that former footballers Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas will no longer be a part of their coverage during the 2020/21 season, having. I'm not sorry for me, I'm sorry for Sian Massey.