Source: Daily_Mail
Andy Gray sacked by Sky Sports after third sexist video: Will Richard Keys be next?
Andy Gray has been sacked from his £1.7million-a-year role as Sky Sports' leading football pundit after a third video emerged of his sexist behaviour. [LNB]The clip, which was posted on YouTube, was the last straw for Sky's hierarchy. They had already given him a final warning over his sexist diatribe in conversation with football presenter Richard Keys, which was launched at assistant referee Sian Massey and West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady. [LNB]Keys will himself come under further scrutiny - and could even lose his job - after yet another video clip was posted on YouTube at around 10pm. The footage shows Keys using vulgar language to Jamie Redknapp, Graeme Souness and Ruud Gullit. Keys uses aggressive language to describe sex with a woman. [LNB]VIDEO: Will this latest footage see Richard Keys kicked out of Sky Sports?VIDEO: Now watch Andy Gray's lewd comment aimed at Sky presenter Charlotte Jackson[LNB] Latest scandal: Andy Gray (left) pictured in the video that ensured his sacking[LNB]Earlier, the latest damning footage of Gray uploaded to the video-sharing site showed him making lewd remarks to Sky Sports News presenter Charlotte Jackson as they prepared in the studio for a Christmas programme.[LNB] Gray, pointing to his groin and referring to his microphone pack, says: 'Charlotte, can you tuck this down here for me, love . . . Charlotte, just tuck that in for me, would you?' [LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Were Sky Sports right to sack shamed pundit Andy Gray? Sky Sports have handed Andy Gray his P45 following a string of shameful sexist outbursts. The broadcaster said the 55-year-old had to go over 'unacceptable behaviour'. But do you think he was treated harshly or deserved to be sacked? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Jackson, who has modelled for a number of men's magazines, does not react in any way as she turns her back, butGray and Keys both burst out laughing. [LNB]The posting set off another wave of negative publicity for the Sky brand and was the tipping point for Sky Sports top brass. The situation was all the more sensitive with overlord Rupert Murdoch in London and baying for blood after the phone-tapping scandal which has enveloped one of his newspapers, the News of the World. [LNB]Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis informed Gray that his contract was being terminated with immediate effect. A distraught Gray, 55, so upset he was rendered speechless by the decision, feels he is the victim of a conspiracy, with disgruntled colleagues leaking evidence of his serial unreconstructed behaviour. [LNB]Gray, whose contract runs until after the 2012-13 season. is consulting his lawyers Schillings.[LNB] A statement read: 'Sky Sports today terminated its contract with Andy Gray. The decision, which is effective immediately, was made in response to new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour. [LNB]'The new evidence, relating to an off-air incident that took place in December 2010, came to light after Andy Gray had already been subjected to disciplinary action for his comments of 22 January 2011.' [LNB]Francis added: 'Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour. After issuing a warning yesterday, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information today.' [LNB] Centre of attention: Gray and Richard Keys have been embroiled in the controversy[LNB]It was the third audio and film footageof Gray's unacceptable conduct - one of them even broadcast by sisterchannel Sky News - that made his position untenable. [LNB]The future of Keys, 55, is in the balance as the scandal shows no sign of abating. If Sky show consistency, his job must surely be on the line. Keys' next presenting opportunity would appear to be the Premier League match between West Brom and Wigan next Tuesday. [LNB] Late changes: David Jones, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Jamie Redknapp featured at Bolton[LNB]Touchline reporter Andy Burton, 33,is also the subject of a Sky disciplinary process and has been takenoff his duties at the Carling Cup semi-final, second leg betweenBirmingham and West Ham at St Andrew's after footage, broadcast on SkyNews on Monday, showed him discussing with Gray whether Massey was 'alooker'. Massey, 25, a PE teacher in Coventry, made a crucial correctcall when assistant referee as Liverpool took the lead in their 3-0 winagainst Wolves at Molineux on Saturday. [LNB]Theconspiracy theory that there might be more to Gray's removal than hisNeanderthal views grew amid questions over who was responsible for theYouTube tape being made public. [LNB]
