Massey controversy continues

25 January 2011 08:00

Sian Massey will run the line at Crewe's Gresty Road ground on Tuesday night amid the ongoing controversy created by comments made about her by Sky Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray.

Before the game between Wolves and Liverpool on Saturday, Keys and Gray appeared to agree in an off-air discussion that female officials "don't know the offside rule" in a conversation which was picked up by microphones. Massey has since been telephoned by Keys, who wanted to apologise for the remarks.

However, the controversy was fuelled on Monday night when more footage was released, this time with Gray and pitchside reporter Andy Burton talking about Massey.

Burton said "apparently, a female lino today, bit of a looker", with Gray responding: "A female linesman?"

"He [a Sky Sports crew member] says she [Massey] is all right," Burton continued, "now I don't know if I should trust his judgement on that?"

Gray then said: "No, I wouldn't. I definitely wouldn't... I can see her from here," before swearing and adding: "What do women know about the offside rule?"

Keys' apology was accepted by Massey, who got a vital first-half offside call absolutely spot-on at Molineux in the build-up to Liverpool's first goal, and she is now focused on her next assignment - an npower League Two match between Crewe and Bradford on Tuesday night.

Keys and Gray discussed Massey's appointment for the game at Molineux on Saturday, speaking when they believed their microphones were switched off.

They agreed that female officials "don't know the offside rule", with Keys adding: "I can guarantee you there'll be a big one today. (Liverpool manager) Kenny (Dalglish) will go potty."

Source: PA