Sky Sports commentator fired in sexism row

LONDON – One of British football’s leading television commentators was fired Tuesday for ‘unacceptable behaviour’, days after making sexist remarks about a female match official that sparked widespread debate about the role of women in the sport.

Andy Gray, who has been the face of British broadcaster Sky Sports’ football coverage for the past two decades, was dismissed with immediate effect after evidence came to light of ‘unacceptable and offensive behaviour’ in an off-air incident last month.That emerged a day after the former Scotland striker and broadcast colleague Richard Keys were reprimanded and removed from duty for making derogatory comments about lineswoman Sian Massey, former referee Wendy Toms and West Ham executive Karren Brady.’Andy Gray’s contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour,’ Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said. ‘After issuing a warning yesterday, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information today.’Francis was referring to footage which appears to show Gray making a suggestive comment and gesture toward Sky Sports colleague Charlotte Jackson in the studio.London-based law firm Schillings later said that it has ‘been instructed by Andy Gray in relation to the termination of his contract by BSkyB.’The outspoken Gray, who was widely reported to be earning 1,7 million pounds (US$2,7 million) a year from Sky, has made a name for himself with his forthright opinions, particularly on referees, and insight into football, and for the way he embraced technology to revolutionise the way viewers saw the game.His Scottish brogue was also seen as ideally suited to football commentary, helping to add drama to the matches he was covering. – Nampa-AP

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