Former footballers Micah Richards (left) and Alex Scott (right) are both possible replacements. 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. Michael Vaughan arrives at court for Yorkshire cricket racism hearing, Toronto Raptors post cringe-worthy about why girls run the world, Man City manager Pep Guardiola speaks ahead of match against Newcastle, Souness and Robson joke they'd kick players wearing pink boots, Graeme Souness questions Van Dijk's leadership capabilities, Tyson and Tommy Fury's dad asks Jake Paul to pay up after loss, Liverpool v Man United: Jurgen Klopp press conference ahead of match, Daily Mail reporter tests out Formula One training techniques, Raiders star Jordan Rapan is grilled over brutal hit in match, Erik ten Hag ready for 'next step' with Man Utd by beating top four rival Liverpool at Anfield, Liverpool's April visit ticket allocation slashed by 20%, Footballer Danny Simpson talks meeting Ronaldo while on a date. Presenter Jeff Stelling will remain, as will Arsenal legend Paul Merson. 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. 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. Why? By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer February 26, 2023. The furore began on Saturday when Keys and Gray, believing their microphones were switched off, were recorded before the Sky Sports' Martin Tyler has shared his memories of John Motson, after his legendary fellow commentator died at the age of 77 on Thursday. Commentator David Lloyd has left Sky Sports after 22 years. Formula 1 2023 - Pre-Season Testing - Live TV Coverage on . "Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. Commentator David Lloyd has left Sky Sports after 22 years. They might get a chance to do this show. Up to $10 000 in daily prizes, MLS is back! Tyldesley is going to remain as part of the ITV team and will still be part of the group commentating at major tournaments. "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. ", Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. Creating a new men's skincare product leads to a sticky situation in Lord Sugar's boardroom Want to get into cricket? 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. 'It has been a truly fantastic experience and a privilege to work with, and alongside, so many talented individuals. Sky Sports' Andy Walker believes Celtic will extend their lead over Rangers before the end of the season. ", Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. The three men clocked close to 50 years service between them with Sky and will be greatly missed by the millions of armchair football fans who tuned into the long-running Gillette Soccer Saturday show. What have they done, what have these guys done? Micah Richards, the most exciting pundit to hit the scene in years. ', 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. 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 are now flagship presenters of the BeIN Sports channels. 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. '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. 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. game at Molineux Lloyd scored one Test century - a double hundred against India in his second Test in 1974 - and one ODI hundred, and spent his entire county career with his native Lancashire from 1965 to 1983. Sky's statement continued: "The new evidence, relating to an off-air incident that took place in December, 2010, came to light after Andy Gray had already been subjected to disciplinary action for his comments of 22 January, 2011.". 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. The Ultimate Trivia Battle! The trolls turned on the football pundit for criticising the governments handling of the Covid-19 crisis. 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. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. The statement was made in a final attempt to save his job, but was not well-received. '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. 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? They have been part of a team that for me was the best. He wrote at the time: You trolls and bots out there who try to belittle me with your snide remarks trying to make out Im some uncaring individual who has no empathy. ", Thompson said: "I've had a great 22 years on Sky Sports. Matterface, Tyldesley's replacement, will be continuing in his role as talkSPORT's lead football commentator alongside his new position. ", Keys attempted to apologise one last time before the end of his final hour-long broadcast, saying, "One last time, sorry. Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said on Tuesday: "Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour. Bookmark. 'Yes, you can be disappointed that it's come to an end for those guys. Bobby Bulloch thought he was having a wee laugh by announcing his. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world.. Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Minto joined Sky at the end of his playing career and has been a regular feature on Sky. "And so I feel it is time for me to do the same and move on to the next chapter.". Caroline Barker. '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. 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. 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". 'These guys, Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson, they've had an unbelievable run. 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. Learn more. I am comfortable that I don't judge any player other than for the attributes I see before my eyes rather than any preconceived ideas, Jack Charlton's brother insists England's ENTIRE 1966 World Cup-winning squad should be given knighthoods as calls for Leeds legend to be recognised grow following his death at the age of 85, Michael Vaughan arrives at court for Yorkshire cricket racism hearing, Toronto Raptors post cringe-worthy about why girls run the world, Man City manager Pep Guardiola speaks ahead of match against Newcastle, Souness and Robson joke they'd kick players wearing pink boots, Graeme Souness questions Van Dijk's leadership capabilities, Tyson and Tommy Fury's dad asks Jake Paul to pay up after loss, Liverpool v Man United: Jurgen Klopp press conference ahead of match, Daily Mail reporter tests out Formula One training techniques, Raiders star Jordan Rapan is grilled over brutal hit in match, Erik ten Hag ready for 'next step' with Man Utd by beating top four rival Liverpool at Anfield, Liverpool's April visit ticket allocation slashed by 20%, Footballer Danny Simpson talks meeting Ronaldo while on a date. Sir Ian Botham and David Gower bid farewell to the Sky Sports commentary box after the conclusion of the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval. ", Keys went to remark on the newspaper column by the West Ham United vice chair Karren Brady, saying: "The game's gone mad. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. I deserve to be battered. All rights reserved. 'They are the two main points for me. Scott Minto has become the latest high-profile casualty of Sky Sports' shake-up after he confirmed he has been sacked by the broadcaster.. She's got that game on merit, she's worked really hard, and it does hurt you. 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. 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. "It has no part of the game. The 49-year-old began presenting for Sky in 2006 after . From Miami to Manchester! I'm not sorry for me, I'm sorry for Sian Massey. What exactly did the two say? 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. 464 were here. ', Another added: 'Hope he gets snapped up by someone', while third posted: 'Hi Clive, I've read the statement ITV put out this morning. Keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed teeth mouths. saying that Massey and other female assistant referees "did not know the offside rule". I gather one or two sites are reporting that I've been sacked. 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. Tyldesley, a fan favourite over the years, will be working on next year's delayed European Championship but not in the lead role. The statement from the broadcaster said: 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., Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling reacted to the announcement in despair, tweeting: "One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. 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. The comments below have not been moderated. "The commentary box feels a little emptier," he said. 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. Moved aside. The pundit had already been disciplined for sexist comments made about female referee Sian Massey before Saturday's match between Wolves and Liverpool. He's now openly gay. 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. 'All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. Goal takes a look. It is important for PGMO to have talented people from all backgrounds getting involved in refereeing. Liverpool were crushed by the Italian giants in the first half, going in 3-0 down at the break in Istanbul. "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? 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. Why are people upset? ', Minto had fronted Sky Sports' EFL coverage, as well as presenting their LaLiga programmes. "And Solskjaer has won it!" 'All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. Analysis and opinion from the BBC's cricket correspondent. Matterface has been a regular commentary voice on ITV, working on coverage of several major tournaments including the World Cup in Russia. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.'. Mirror Football email - sign-up for all the latest news and transfer headlines, Micah Richards speaks out on 'uncomfortable truths' surrounding black pundits, Wright slams 'racially-driven' abuse of black pundits after Sky Sports axe trio, MURDAUGH THE MURDERER: Inside the case that's gripped America as former top lawyer begins life sentence for shooting dead his wife and son on family's sprawling estate, Leicester explosion mystery as hundreds hear 'sonic boom' sound and 'ground shakes', Woman, who was over drink-drive limit, dies in crash on way home from work at club, William and Kate Middleton have worry over Prince George's Coronation role, says expert, Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp issue rare joint statement ahead of crunch match, Prince Andrew demands mansion 'fit for a king' on REGAL estate from Charles - and 'top role' in royal family despite being KICKED OUT, Spencer Matthews sparks concern as Finding Michael documentary pulled at 11th hour, Harry has 'NOTHING TO LOSE' after Frogmore eviction as he prepares for trauma tell-all, 'I was trapped in toxic diet culture for years - it's time to reclaim beauty standards', Matt Hancock's 41-hour battle to save career after Gina Coladangelo affair revealed, Exact date snow will hit UK as Met Office issues yellow weather warnings, Madeleine McCann police admit suspect WON'T be charged this year, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. Sky Sports' Martin Tyler has shared his memories of John Motson, after his legendary fellow commentator died at the age of 77 on Thursday. "The racism is going through the roof today," Wright said. 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. Jeff Stelling, the Sky Sports presenter, expressed his dismay and accused ITV of 'ageism', which the broadcaster has denied. The pair wolf-whistled and chanted: 'Get your t**s out for the lads!'. 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. They will be lucky to have him. The 74-year-old former England coach, nicknamed 'Bumble', joined Sky in 1999 after his three-year stint with the national team. The three long-serving football experts were given the boot on. In response, Lloyd said he had "made some comments about the Asian cricket community" and that he "deeply regrets" his actions. It is never about Bumble. Forget what I said -they probably dont know the offside rule," Gray added. LUTHER BLISSETT LAUNCHES STAUNCH DEFENCE OF BLACK PUNDITS AFTER SKY AXE SOCCER SATURDAY TRIO, Scott Minto has been sacked by Sky Sports after 13 years service, Micah Richards has been linked with a role on Soccer Saturday. 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. 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. 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. Ella Gillett of Cambridge, GB. The Ultimate Trivia Battle! "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. Well, I guess I have from one job but I've done nothing wrong. From Miami to Manchester! Gray replied: Why is there a female linesman? Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee hearing. The Southampton legend had been outspoken on social media about various subjects including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Nov 06, 2021 10:35 am EDT. Richards also received the backing of fans thanks to his energetic and erudite views since hanging up his boots and becoming a pundit, but faced some abuse too. Sky Sports said it had sacked Gray "in response to new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour". "If you're in a pub and a masculine type is bothering someone at the bar, we don't like that. 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. 2021 Associated Newspapers Limited. He started presenting on Sky Sports News in July 2007, before leaving in late 2010. Do me a favour, love.". 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. "I have spoken to Sian. 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. The pair discussed Massey's appointment for the game at Molineux on Saturday, speaking when they believed their microphones were switched off. That is not to defend what happened. "There is not inherent sexism at Sky, nor in the sports department or the football department. Sky Sports Football Presenters . '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 underlying insinuation of tweets immediately linking mine and Alex Scott's names makes for some uncomfortable truths. The pair have become synonymous with the. Bad.". "They were utterly inappropriate and totally sexist," said Arthur, who represents 11,000 referees in the UK. 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. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. 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. 'What's it got to do with Black Lives Matter, or the fact that black people may get an opportunity to get those jobs? Midfield magician Le Tissier spent all his professional career with the Saints and it was one of footballs biggest mysteries why he only won eight England caps. It was wrong. 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.'. 'We are very glad he will continue with us and look forward to working with him on many more occasions in the future.'. Ageism alive and well in UK broadcasting.'. It has been reported that talkSPORT are set to snap him up for their coverage of Englands Test series in the Caribbean next March. 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. ', said Tyldesley as Rooney wildly celebrated at Goodison Park. 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. 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. 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. 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. ", 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. He has worked as a commentator for Sky Sports since 1990, covering the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, as well as other domestic and international competitions. Through experiences you gain that wider perspective. 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". 09:52 GMT 14 Jul 2020 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. 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. A number of disappointed fans reacted to the news on social media. A left . '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. 'Remember the name Wayne Rooney! 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. Martin Tyler (born 14 September 1945) is an English football commentator and semi-professional football coach. That is not to defend what happened. What have they done, what have these guys done? 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". They were both a joy to work with and both will be sadly missed.. 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. Liverpool need to wake themselves up after a slump in form, Sky Sports' Gary Neville said on the latest Gary Neville Podcast, while Man Utd look happy on the pitch again. Almost forgotten sports presenters/commentators. 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. Tyldesley wrote: 'My experiences in football are considerable and what I have seen and experienced over the years has gradually formed my opinion. At present we have no plans to change the way we work with Andy. 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. SKY News commentator Ross Cameron has been sacked by the broadcaster after launching into a racist rant about Chinese people visiting Disneyland. The disgraced duo left the broadcaster in infamous circumstances following comments they made in 2011, but what was said? Which Sky Sports presenters have been sacked? Soon after Gray was sacked, the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) withdrew Massey from Tuesday's game at Crewe. 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. [3] On 12 January 2018, Matterface was confirmed as Matt Chapman's replacement as commentator for ITV 's Dancing on Ice. By Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. Published: 10:52 GMT, 27 August 2020 | Updated: 16:27 GMT, 27 August 2020. Yeah, I know. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. "There is not inherent sexism at Sky, nor in the sports department or the football department. 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. Massey was this afternoon stood down from her engagement to run the line tonight at a League Two match between Crewe Alexandra and Bradford City.