Sky Sports Shock

As mentioned, Saturday's lunch-time kick-off was rather historic in that Sian Massey was running the line at Molineux. It was her second Premiership appearance and for me she did a fine job. But, as with most things, some people cannot adapt to change and unfortunately a female official proved too much for a couple of Sky Sports' senior correspondents.

Sky Sports is entering its twentieth year on our screens and presenter Richard Keys with commentator Andy Gray have been there pretty much all the way. But they weren't completely swayed by Sian Massey. Off air, before the show, pitchside reporter Andy Burton told Gray that Massey was officiating and with all male banter Burton added 'I've been told that she's a looker'. I know feminists and many females in general feel deeply upset when males talk to other males about appearances, but it is a walk of life and females do just the same about males.

Although that may have offended some enough, for me, the worst part was Andy Gray jokingly saying 'what do women know about the offside rule?'. Some feel that this little joke may have blown out of proportion and it has been heard many a time down at the local. But I feel that to use that joke about a female official is a little harsh. Massey obviously has the Premiership standard and she shown it during the game so to question it, even jokingly, is wrong.

It gets worse for Mr.Gray as he also conversed with Richard Keys on the subject using the same sexist opinion. Keys also agreed with Gray by the saying 'the game's gone mad!' Which in itself seems to be a degrading comment. He then brought in Karen Brady, one of few female chairpeople in football, whom he sarcastically called charming. He then went onto say 'do me a favour love' after commenting about her sexism in sport article for a newspaper. Unsurprisingly when word of this got out all three were suspended from Monday Night Football but it got worse for Andy Gray as he has had his contract with Sky terminated. There's been no word about Richard Keys or Andy Burton but I fear unless they get on their knees and apologise, they could be heading for the exit door along with Andy Gray.

It was unnecessary and although it was supposed to be harmless banter, unfortunately it wasn't the place or the time to question Sian Massey's credentials and honestly I think action had to be taken. Whether it meant sacking, that's not for me to judge but they definitely over-stepped the line. I wish Sian Massey good luck for the future and that she graces herself on the Premiership scene again, she definitely did better than some male linesmen have done anyhow!