Why are we not surprised?
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Sky Sports presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys are at the centre of a sexism row after they questioned whether a female assistant referee knew the offside rule during a Premier League match.
The commentators, who apparently believed their microphones were switched off, were recorded making disparaging remarks about Sian Massey, 25, before Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Wolves on Saturday.
They also criticised Apprentice star and West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady, who had written about sexism in a newspaper column on Saturday.
Commenting on Ms Massey, Mr Keys said: ‘Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her.’
Mr Gray, a former Scotland striker, replied: ‘Can you believe that? A female linesman. Women don’t know the offside rule.’
Mr Keys replied: ‘Course they don’t. I can guarantee you there will be a big one today. Kenny (Liverpool manager Dalglish) will go potty. This isn’t the first time, is it? Didn’t we have one before?’
Later in the exchange, Mr Keys said: ‘The game’s gone mad. Did you hear charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Do me a favour, love.’ (Daily Mail)
Why are we not surprised? This pair of archaic football presenters are well known for their rather backward views but what makes this incident all the more amusing is the fact that Sian Massey actually got the decision spot on.
In fact when I watched the incident first time around I also thought that Raul Meireles was offside, this was before I even noted that the linesman was in fact a woman. When I noted that it was a correct decision I remember thinking ‘Well done linesman’, it was only after that was the camera drawn to Sian Massey to reveal that it was a woman who had made the call.
What the comments from, he with the incredibly hair arms and he with the ability to talk complete rubbish ad infinitum, actually prove, along with their obvious bigotry, is that they themselves do not understand the offside law.
You can hear the audio of the pair making fools of themselves by CLICKING HERE.
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