Published: 27 January 2011
Country: UK
The recent sacking of Sky’s football commentator Andy Gray for ‘unacceptable and offensive behaviour’ related to sexist comments that he made, has raised once again the issue of sexism in the male dominated world of sport and its media coverage.
Believing that they were off air, Andy Gray and his colleague, Richard Keys, said during a football match in the UK:
Richard KEYS:”Somebody had better get down there and explain offside to her”
Andy GRAY: “Yeah I know. Can you believe that? A female linesman!
Andy GRAY : “Didn’t we had one before?”
…
Richard KEYS :”The game’s gone mad”
These remarks, combined with the publishing of a video on Youtube where Andy Gray can be seen suggesting to his colleague Charlotte Jackson that she should be the one to tuck the microphone into his pants (“Do me a favour love…”), led to the cancelling of Grey’s contract with Sky Sports, though this latter incident happened last December.
The Frozen expression on Charlotte Jackson’s face was more than enough to understand that she is not into that kind of joke.
Sky Sports’ managing director Barney Francis, who disciplined both Gray and Richard Keys for their comments, said he had “no hesitation” in summarily terminating Gray’s contract.
The language used and the general attitude have shocked many.
What do you think about this?
Do you think that Sky did the right thing in sacking Gray? Or was it an over-reaction to comments that were intended to be off-air in a world where many think political correctness and sensitivity have gone mad?
Click here to join the debate and share your views on this issue in MDI’s debate forum.