Source: Daily_Mail
Andy Gray sacked by Sky Sports
Shamed pundit loses £1.7m-a-year post after latest leaked rantSky insist he had to go over 'unacceptable behaviour'Reporter Burton suspended over role in touchline rantAssistant ref Massey pulled from planned return to spotlightAndy Gray has been sacked by Sky Sports over his string of shameful sexist outbursts.[LNB]The TV pundit was suspended after his controversial comments aimed at female assistant referee Sian Massey.[LNB]But the emergence of older footage - in which he directed a lewd comment at fellow Sky Sports presenter Charlotte Jackson - has forced them to take decisive action.[LNB]VIDEO: Now watch Andy Gray's lewd comment aimed at Sky presenter Charlotte Jackson Latest scandal: Andy Gray (left) pictured in the video that ensured his sacking[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 The leaked film, again featuring fellow shamed colleague Richard Keys, shows the pundit asking Jackson to tuck a microphone pack down his trousers.[LNB]Gray suggestively asks Jackson: 'Charlotte, can you tuck this [microphone pack] down here for me love Tuck this down here.'[LNB]A Sky statement read: 'Sky Sports has 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]Sky Sports managing director Barney 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]It comes after Gray was first caught criticising Massey off-air in two separate incidents and he has now paid the price with hislucrative £1.7million-a-year job.[LNB]It has also emerged that Massey has now been withdrawn from her role as assistant referee in Tuesday night's League Two match between Crewe and Bradford.[LNB]A statement from Mike Riley, the general manager of Professional Game Match Officials, read: 'PGMO and Sian believe that with any football match the focus should not be on the officials but on the players and the game itself. That is only fair to those connected with the clubs and their supporters. [LNB] Centre of attention: Gray and Richard Keys have been embroiled in the controversy[LNB]'Sian is an excellent professional who has unwittingly found herself in the middle of a story that has nothing to do with her competence as a match official. Sian only wants to be notable for her performance as an assistant referee and is keen for things to get back to normal so she can return to officiating as soon as possible. [LNB]'Sian has the full backing of PGMO and we hope she continues her development, which has shown excellent progress so far. It is important for PGMO to have talented people from all backgrounds getting involved in refereeing. The more people are attracted to the game the better standards will be and the more everyone can talk about the football.'[LNB]Sky had earlier suspended reporter Andy Burton for his role in the second batch of leaked footage.[LNB]Like Richard Keys and Gray, who were pulled from Monday night's coverage of Chelsea win at Bolton, Burton has stood down from his broadcasting duties for Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg between Birmingham and West Ham.[LNB]Saturday's footage - recorded before Wolves played Liverpool - showed Gray in conversation with Burton, who describes Massey as a 'bit of alooker' in reference to comments made by another member of the production team. [LNB]Burton begins: 'He says she is all right. Now I don't know if I should trust his judgment on that. Gray replies: 'Nah, I wouldn't. I definitely wouldn't.'[LNB] Late changes: David Jones, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Jamie Redknapp featured at Bolton[LNB]
