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. Kenny [Dalglish] will go potty.". To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. 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. Both were sacked from Sky . "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. Up to $10 000 in daily prizes, MLS is back! Sky Cricket Commentators 2021. A primary reason behind keeping the viewers engaged on a rain-affected Day 3 was the quality of analysis on Sky Sports Cricket. I ask myself that question and hopefully the answer is: no, I don't think that is the case.'. Gray has gone to the High Court in an attempt to force private investigator Glenn Mulcaire to reveal which News of the World journalists asked him to hack into his phone. 'I was told about three weeks ago so I have had some time to get my head around the decision but I haven't got my head around it. ", Gray then stated: "If off-air conversations of television and radio presenters were recorded, there would be no one left working. David Prutton. 2021 Associated Newspapers Limited. I am quite happy for them to have their point of view, but that is mine and that is where I sit. 'All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack. "Sian has the full backing of PGMO and we hope she continues her development, which has shown excellent progress so far. I don't know. 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. '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. Bumble senses when the viewer needs cheering up and can always bring a smile to their faces, whether it is by singing Sweet Caroline or just making a little one-liner. To be clear this is ITV's decision, not mine. David Jones. Home Sky Sports Sky Sports Football Presenters, Commentators & Pundits. 'Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. He recently contributed a piece for Sportsmailabout how stereotyping in commentary is morally wrong, after a report from a Danish research firm found there was a clear racial bias in football commentary. We wholeheartedly apologise for our behaviour. 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. '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. Merson Says: Curtains for Potter if Chelsea lose at Spurs? 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? Do me a favour, love.". Analysis and opinion from the BBC's cricket correspondent. 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. However, the timing of this announcement, just weeks after he was dragged into the Azeem Rafiq racism affair, suggests this wasnt entirely Lloyds decision. Keys has since telephoned Massey, who has accepted the presenter's apology, though later on Tuesday new footage surfaced on the internet of the Sky presenter where he appeared to make lewd comments off-air to pundit Jamie Redknapp. The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications. "From whiners to winners" - that's how Gary Neville described Erik ten Hag's transformation at Manchester United after their Carabao Cup final win. Terrific memories.'. ', 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's been an immense privilege to try and bring the sport I love into people's homes up and down the country.". 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. You can hear his love and passion for the game in every word he says and he has that priceless ability to inform and entertain at the same time. Sky said it is investigating Lloyd's alleged comments. The furore began on Saturday when Keys and Gray, believing their microphones were switched off, were recorded before the The pair spoke of their disapproval of women officiating football matches, questioning their knowledge and qualifications. Niall Sloane, Director of ITV Sport, said: 'On behalf of ITV Sport, I would like to thank Clive for his superb work leading our commentary on some of the biggest occasions in world football throughout his outstanding career with us. A. Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip. Kelly Cates. 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. Forget what I said -they probably dont know the offside rule," Gray added. 'Yes, you can be disappointed that it's come to an end for those guys. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Anothertape was revealed consisting of Gray crudely discussing Massey's physical appearance with a different colleague - Andy Burton. "Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. But Steven Gerrard headed home to give Liverpool fans a glimmer of hope and Tyledesley's reaction was priceless. It was wrong. He has extensive experience of his own having held roles with the BBC and also Sky Sports both as a presenter and commentator. Both Sky Sports and the FA condemned the comments, which led to Keys resigning from his role and Gray being sacked. "He is much loved and respected by his fellow commentators and production team who cherish the time spent working with him," read a statement. 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. 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. Baffling as you are as good as ever! Formula 1 2023 - Pre-Season Testing - Live TV Coverage on . Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA, Keys, was originally suspended yesterday after a Sunday newspaper published a transcript, in footage leaked to sister channel Sky News. 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. The Southampton legend had been outspoken on social media about various subjects including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Stelling tweeted: 'One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departures of three of my best mates. 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. It reflects what goes on in pubs and clubs," he said. 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". The presenter follows pundits Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and. After issuing a warning yesterday, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information today," he said. There is a sports room, a little boisterous like a dressing room up and down the country. "It has been a truly fantastic experience and a privilege to work with, and alongside, so many talented individuals. 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. It is never about Bumble. Oh I forgot Clive you are 65. Lloyd last month apologised to former Yorkshire all-rounder Azeem Rafiq, who accused him of making disparaging comments about Asian players. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. We wholeheartedly apologise for our behaviour. Hayley Mcqueen. ', Former Liverpool defender Thompson tweeted: 'Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today. "I apologise most sincerely to Azeem and to the Asian community for doing this, and for any offence caused," he said. At 74, now is probably the right time for Bumble, as he is affectionately known by pretty much everyone, to take life a bit easier given he joined Sky in 1999 almost immediately after leaving his job as Englands coach. The statement was made in a final attempt to save his job, but was not well-received. 'Asking me if it is something that I have done no there's nothing. Bobby Bulloch thought he was having a wee laugh by announcing his. That is only fair to those connected with the clubs and their supporters. Having worked for Sky since 1998, when Thompson left his role as Gerard Houllier's assistant at Liverpool in 2004, he became a bigger member of the team. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 'Consequently 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 I may have about them. And Le God formed a brilliant relationship with Liverpools former captain and assistant manager Thommo, 66, and ex-Celtic and Arsenal star Nicholas, 58. Will Griffee For Mailonline "Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour. 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. Bookmark. Not for myself. Sky Sports Football Presenters . "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. His son . One wrote: 'ITV replacing Clive Tyldesley is a terrible decision. He most notably was the voice of the 2005 Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. Jeff Stelling, the Sky Sports presenter, expressed his dismay and accused ITV of 'ageism', which the broadcaster has denied. You overcome it, you move forward.". The pair are now flagship presenters of the BeIN Sports channels. Sky lost one great commentator in Michael Holding earlier this year and now we have lost another in Bumble. 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. Keys later said: "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world. - Jose has become a laughing stock. Rafiq said Lloyd also apologised to him personally, adding: "He's deeply sorry about it and I accept his apology.". The ex-Manchester City star tweeted yesterday: 'I saw I was trending today in relation to a brilliant and institutional Sky Sports TV show that I've never even been on. John Inverdale, Henry Blofeld, and Ian Robertson found themselves sidelined, whileCornelius Lysaght and Mark Pougatch were informed they had no future at Radio 5 Live. They were both a joy to work with and both will be sadly missed.. 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. Joining regulars Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Jamie Redknapp, Micah Richards and Graeme Souness, the new Sky Sports Football line-up will cover 128 Premier League matches including. ", Thompson said: "I've had a great 22 years on Sky Sports. 09:52 GMT 14 Jul 2020 The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Nick Halling is a British sports broadcaster and journalist who studied English & Theology at Leeds University. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, The popular trio will be sorely missed by the millions of armchair football fans, The three presenters have been axed by Sky Sports, Charlie Nicholas pictured in 2003 working for Sky, Le Tissier reports on a major moment in 2008, Thompson has also been a regular for over a decade, and is pictured here in 2008, The trio were regulars on Gillette Soccer Saturday, Matt Le Tissier was recently slated for his controversial views on coronavirus, Former Arsenal star Charlie Nicholas has been given his marching orders, Phil Thompson played for Liverpool and Sheffield United during his career, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). I'm not sorry for me, I'm sorry for Sian Massey. I'm not sorry for me, I'm sorry for Sian Massey. about his experience of racism at Yorkshire, Rafiq said he had been told Lloyd messaged other members of the media that "a clubhouse is the lifeblood of a club, and Asian players don't go in there". A fantastic commentator who will be sorely missed. ", Betting exchange Betfair, which employs Gray as a football columnist, said it is "reviewing the situation". Sky Sports said it had sacked Gray "in response to new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour". The comments, which went to air on Tuesday, were described by Sky News chief executive Paul Whittaker as "totally unacceptable". We got it wrong. Earlier today, a third Sky Sports presenter was taken off air. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. 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. Get latest scores and headlines sent straight to your phone, sign-up to our newsletter and learn where to find us on online. Le Tissier has since returned to Twitter following the news breaking of his departure, writing: 'Enjoyed my time at sky sports, time to look forward to life's next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team good luck all have a lovely day.'. pic.twitter.com/yoloHx1glc. See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? 'They have been part of a team that for me was the best.'. The Ultimate Trivia Battle! 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. The Premier League confirmed that Keys had called Massey to apologise, but that did not stop himfrom continuing blaming the ordeal on "misguided fun"and referring to"lads' mag humour", attributing it as normal inpubs, clubs and dressing rooms across the country. Erik ten Hag speaks exclusively to Sky Sports News' Melissa Reddy ahead of the Carabao Cup final on Man Utd's togetherness and more. [4] On 14 July 2020, ITV announced that Matterface would replace Clive Tyldesley as lead football and England commentator at the start of the . 00:14 GMT 01 Oct 2020. They have been part of a team that for me was the best. 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. Speaking outside his home near Southampton, he said: 'I just don't agree with some of the points of that movement - specifically the defunding of the police and the anti capitalist points are things I do not agree with. 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. 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. At present we have no plans to change the way we work with Andy. Sky Sports' managing director Barney Francis, who yesterday disciplined both Gray and Richard Keys for their comments, said he had "no hesitation" in summarily terminating Gray's contract. They might get a chance to do this show. ', Minto had fronted Sky Sports' EFL coverage, as well as presenting their LaLiga programmes. "I would like to wish the staff and teams at Sky all the best for the coming season - a season which is set to be truly spectacular both in the Premier League and EFL. In January 2011,long-time Sky Sports commentators RichardKeys and Andy Gray were forced to leave the broadcasting companyafter the leak of several tapes in which the duo were found to make derogatory, sexist comments about female referee Sian Massey and other female figures in the industry. 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. Josi scores twice, Predators beat Coyotes 6-2 NHL. Last updated on 21 December 202121 December 2021.From the section Cricket. Matterface has been a regular commentary voice on ITV, working on coverage of several major tournaments including the World Cup in Russia.