What's she doing in this ~Boys Only Club?

[sashaj22.livejournal.com]

Mic captures Sky presenters' sexist diatribe against female linesman

Sky Sports presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys were at the centre of a sexism row last night after they questioned whether a female linesman knew the offside rule during a Premier League football match.

The commentators, who apparently believed their microphones were switched off, were recorded making disparaging remarks about Sian Massey, 25, before Liverpool’s Premiership clash with Wolves yesterday. They also criticised Apprentice star and West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady who had yesterday written about sexism in a newspaper column.

Commenting on Ms Massey, Mr Keys said: ‘Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her.’

Mr Gray, a former Scottish international footballer, 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 Kenny 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.’

Ms Brady had said she had ‘experienced sexism at its rankest, lies about my personal life and a level of calculated mischief that is simply appalling’.

Asked about the pundits’ remarks, she said: ‘I think this just sums up everything I said in my column.’

During the game, which Liverpool won 3-0, Ms Massey angered Wolves by refusing to rule Raul Meireles offside before he set up Liverpool’s first goal. The replay showed that she made the correct decision.

When The Mail on Sunday put the transcript to Mr Keys, he said: ‘I have no recollection of that. I have no idea what you are talking about. My recollection is that I wished the young lady all the best.’

When told a recording existed of the conversation, he said: ‘If you have a tape then you don’t need me to talk to you.’

Last night The Mail on Sunday sent a transcript and a copy of the recording to a Sky Sports spokeswoman.

She was not able to confirm or deny the veracity of the clip, which was provided to this newspaper by an anonymous source.

Mr Gray could not be reached last night

source

I was half sleep when I flipped to this game (yes, I watched a Liverpool game). They showed her and my reaction was "what? wait...is that a woman?!?! YOU GO GIRL!!" I don't know if I had these two assholes as my commentators, but iirc, mine praised her for getting the call right/doing a fantastic job.

Comments

[ultraelectric.livejournal.com]

What comments did they make? I remember them praising her for her call that pissed Wolves off.

Though, I do think their comments -- what I heard, praising her -- came off sexist, even if I don't think they were trying to be sexist.

[sundust17.livejournal.com]

That's pretty much what I meant, their over praise of her when she got the call right. It was almost like they were surprised. They definitely treated her differently than they would have if it had been a man. Though I do agree, I don't think they were *trying* to be sexist, but to me if came off that way.

[ultraelectric.livejournal.com]

OH OK.

Yeah, I felt to a degree when the other guy said "That a gal" or whatever, I almost felt like it was very grandfatherly, but it was uncalled for! They shouldn't be shocked. I never hear em say "That a boy!"

[iamtheenemy.livejournal.com]

Well, in fairness, they call the players "son" and stuff like that. Unfortunately, she's something new and different, and there will always be people skeptical at first. I give her so much credit for sticking by her guns and going to work every day. What a tough person. With one correct call, she's gone a long way to proving that women can do the job.

[mhfromnh.livejournal.com]

that reminds me of one of the gym-teachers at my school. he seemed to think girls couldn't do sports like guys do, and when a girl threw a good pass he would pile on the compliments.

he also didn't let my sister try out for the (american) football team, claiming that the last time he let a gil on the team "she got knocked up".

[raincitygirl.livejournal.com]

I sure hope they didn't let him teach sex education as well as gym. Because playing football (whether American or the real kind) is not how girls get knocked up.

[mhfromnh.livejournal.com]

thankfully no.