Sky Sports pundits have been slammed for off-air remarks made about the appointment of female assistant football referee Sian Massey.
Commenting on Ms Massey’s appointment for the game between Wolves and Liverpool on Saturday, host Richard Keys and pundit Andy Gray said that female officials “don’t know the offside rule”.
The men thought their mics were switched off when they made the comments.
The two men have apologised for the remarks.
25-year-old Ms Massey made a correct borderline call in the build-up to Liverpool’s first goal in the match, a move which the Football Association supports.
Mr Keys said that “something better get down there and explain offside to her” and Mr Gray added that “women don’t know the offside rule”.
Mr Keys then commented on remarks made by West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady in the Sun newspaper about sexism in footie.
“See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour, love,” he said.
In a statement, referees body Professional Game Match Officials’ general manager Mike Riley said: “All PGMO referees and assistant referees are appointed on merit and ability. They are assessed on their performances only.”
