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. Bookmark. ", 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". Rafiq fully accepted that apology and on Tuesday was reported to have told friends he had not intended for anything like this to happen. Gray has instructed law firm Schillings to represent him over the termination of his contract, while Massey was withdrawn from her duties as an assistant referee for Tuesday's League Two game between Crewe and Bradford. ", Keys attempted to apologise one last time before the end of his final hour-long broadcast, saying, "One last time, sorry. 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. Jeff Stelling, the Sky Sports presenter, expressed his dismay and accused ITV of 'ageism', which the broadcaster has . They might get a chance to do this show. Yeah, I know. 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. 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. We failed to change when the world has changed. Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Minto joined Sky at the end of his playing career and has been a regular feature on Sky. The former West Ham and Chelsea defender had been the face of their LaLiga and EFL coverage for 13 years, but has been told his services are no longer required. So farewell Bumble, it was fun while it lasted. On Wednesday, it was revealed that Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas had been told about their own redundancies. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.. ', 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.'. Almada, Puig & all the players to watch, How Man Utd can end their Anfield hoodoo , Where next for Neymar? Josi scores twice, Predators beat Coyotes 6-2 NHL. 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'. SKY News commentator Ross Cameron has been sacked by the broadcaster after launching into a racist rant about Chinese people visiting Disneyland. 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. 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 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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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. Not for myself. I don't know. "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. ITV announced that the 65-year-old he will be replaced by 42-year-old Sam Matterface from the start of the new season and Tyldesley appeared devastated by the decision as he posted a video reacting to the announcement. ITV appear to be following the BBC's lead in culling older much-loved talent. 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. 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. '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. 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. It's a simple thing, I agree with the cause but there are parts of the organisation that I just cannot support. 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. Rob Hawthorne has worked on Sky Sports since 1995 as a commentator. I've not even thought about winding down towards retirement or anything like that. Scotland striker Nicholas secured two Premier League honours and one League Cup for Glasgow giants Celtic and one League Cup with the Gunners. After issuing a warning yesterday, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information today.". Yeah. Tyldesley's voice has provided the backdrop to historic matches over more than two decades at major international tournaments and the biggest games in club football, including 17 Champions League finals. Why are people upset?.". "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. Taking to Twitter to announce the news himself, Minto wrote: '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. Commentator David Lloyd has left Sky Sports after 22 years. 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. I deserve to be battered. 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. Can you believe that? From Miami to Manchester! Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. 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. This BBC Sport guide tells you how to and provides a glossary for those new to the sport. subsequently disciplined. All rights reserved. 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.'. They agreed that female officials "don't know the offside rule", with Keys adding: "I can guarantee you there'll be a big one today. Presenter Jeff Stelling will remain, as will Arsenal legend Paul Merson. He's now openly gay. 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. Media requires JavaScript to play. Enjoy The Ride - Sky Sports F1 Promo 2023 . Why is football knowledge measured by the offside rule. By The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications. He took over as England coach in 1996 but left in 1999 when the England and Wales Cricket Board did not renew his contract. 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. 'Is there a tendency for me to refer to a black player's pace or strength as opposed to their skill or match intelligence? 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. It is important for PGMO to have talented people from all backgrounds getting involved in refereeing. . 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. 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. Forget what I said -they probably dont know the offside rule," Gray added. The more people are attracted to the game the better standards will be and the more everyone can talk about the football. 'I will still wear the badge because I do of course believe black lives matter. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.". "If you're in a pub and a masculine type is bothering someone at the bar, we don't like that. He hung up his boots in 2003 before joining Sky's punditry panel shortly after. The Southampton legend had been outspoken on social media about various subjects including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 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. ", Keys attempted to apologise one last time before the end of his final hour-long broadcast, saying, "One last time, sorry. Do me a favour, love.". 'Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. 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. Owen Gibson @ owen_g Tue 25 Jan 2011 11.38 EST Andy Gray, the Sky Sports presenter at the centre of a sexism storm following derogatory comments about a female official, has been sacked by. 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. To be clear this is ITV's decision, not mine. ", Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. 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. 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. 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. 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. Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha is 'set to leave Selhurst Park as a free agent in the summer' - and could 'I don't read it': Romeo Lavia insists he is 'focused on his football' and helping Southampton avoid GRAEME SOUNESS talks to BRYAN ROBSON: I see people with pink and yellow boots and think "I'd just kick he was asked by bosses to wear the Black Lives Matter badge, temporarily quitting the social media platform Twitter, Do not sell or share my personal information. saying that Massey and other female assistant referees "did not know the offside rule". Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world.. 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. 'These guys, Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson, they've had an unbelievable run. - Jose has become a laughing stock, Arsenal's plans to avoid bottling the title, Exclusive: Kovacic on Modric, CR7 and THAT Liverpool goal. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. "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? 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". Jeff Stelling, the Sky Sports presenter, expressed his dismay and accused ITV of 'ageism', which the broadcaster has denied. ", 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. '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. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Sky has sacked football presenter Andy Gray after further allegations of his sexist behaviour came to light. 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. The 49-year-old began presenting for Sky in 2006 after . The three long-serving football experts were given the boot on. He started presenting on Sky Sports News in July 2007, before leaving in late 2010. Up to $10 000 in daily prizes, How Man Utd can end their Anfield hoodoo , Where next for Neymar? Commentator David Lloyd has left Sky Sports after 22 years. 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. '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. 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. Bad.". The trolls turned on the football pundit for criticising the governments handling of the Covid-19 crisis. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Scott Minto has been sacked by Sky Sports as he becomes the latest to fall victim to the broadcaster's on-screen shake-up. "There is not inherent sexism at Sky, nor in the sports department or the football department. Scott Minto has been sacked by Sky Sports as he becomes the latest to fall victim to the broadcaster's on-screen shake-up. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. It's been a great show. It is believed he felt that he had not been consulted properly and felt a sense of loyalty to the trio. 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. Gray replied: Why is there a female linesman? 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. That is only fair to those connected with the clubs and their supporters.