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

[wall-upper.livejournal.com]

i dont consider myself a feminist or anything, but this is such bullshit i dont even

poor girl

[con-clase.livejournal.com]

Thank you :) It makes me sad that more people don't know that.

[wall-upper.livejournal.com]

of course i consider men and women to be equal. feminist... just sounds like a strong word to me. idk. i kind of connotate it with people who get on a high horse about their gender, when imo it doesnt and shouldnt matter at all. i guess im just used to the word being used differently.

[verses.livejournal.com]

well we'd have no rights if not for the bra burners

[wall-upper.livejournal.com]

of course! they're not who i am referring to at all.

[piratesswoop.livejournal.com]

militant feminists are usually called womynists. being a feminist is a good thing and any self-respecting human being should want to be a feminist.

[wall-upper.livejournal.com]

looked up the two terms, and you're right. i've always heard the term "feminist" used pretty negatively by the media/public, which i suppose in itself is sexist. sigh.

[wall-upper.livejournal.com]

yeah, i just looked it up. the actual term is nothing like what you would believe it to be from the general public perception.

[sparklytee.livejournal.com]

it doesn't matter? in what kind of utopia do you live?

[wall-upper.livejournal.com]

obviously it does matter in real life, or we wouldnt be having this discussion in the first place. that was just my opinion on how i think it should be.

[runandtelldat.livejournal.com]

it just means you believe men and women are equal

Any logical human being should believe that. You don't have to label yourself/identify with a certain group to share some of their values, morals, or ethics.

[runandtelldat.livejournal.com]

I get what you're saying. I was just suggesting that perhaps some people don't want to be labeled.

[sianisit.livejournal.com]

ikr