REUTERS/Rebecca Naden
Richard Keys and Andy Gray were staples of Sky Sports' coverage of the Premier League for almost two decades before leaving under a cloud in 2011.
Keys was the main presenter, while former Everton and Aston Villa striker Gray appeared as both a pundit and co-commentator.
However, a 2011 clash between Wolves and Liverpool changed everything. The game saw a young woman, Sian Massey, take up the role of assistant referee for the clash at Molineux.
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That prompted both Keys and Gray to make sexist comments that would eventually spell the end of their broadcasting careers in the UK.
What Keys and Gray Said to End Sky Sports Careers
Fellow Commentator Andy Gray presents an award to Richard Keys
Believing their microphones were turned off before the match, Keys and Gray were heard questioning women's knowledge of the game.
Keys, speaking about Massie, suggested (per BBC) that 'somebody better get down there and explain offside to her', while Gray added that women 'don't know the offside rule'.
The presenter responded by saying: "Of course they don't," before adding: "I can guarantee you there'll be a big one today. [Liverpool manager] Kenny [Dalglish] will go potty."
Sky released a statement in which they claimed the pair had apologised for their conduct and that their comments were 'not acceptable'. It read:
Gray was sacked shortly after the incident as 'new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour' showing him making more offensive comments to Charlotte Jackson came to light. His partner in crime resigned from his role with Sky Sports as a result.
Where is Sian Massey, 15 Years After Sexism Row?
REUTERS/Toby Melville
While Keys and Gray fled Britain to embark on a new career in the Middle East, Massey was left in an already male-dominated sport with more spotlight on her after the incident.
Despite that, she still carved out an incredibly successful career in top-flight football for herself. Now married with the name Massey-Ellis, the 41-year-old officiated over 150 games after becoming just the second female assistant referee in the Premier League.
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Her many achievements include officiating in Women's World Cups, the Women's Champions League final, and men's domestic cup finals, and she was even the first English woman to be involved in a men's European fixture.
Massey-Ellis, who was awarded an MBE in 2017 for her contributions to football, officially retired in 2026. She has now started a new role within the FA, where she is the Senior Manager of women's referees.
She now helps develop and support females who hope to follow in her footsteps. Speaking about the new venture, the ex-official told Sky Sports: "Although I am stepping away from the touchline, I am not stepping away from football.
Howard Webb, the head of the PGMOL, showed how highly thought of Massey-Ellis is within the game. Webb said: "Sian has done us proud time and time again - domestically and on the international stage, breaking multiple barriers and setting the standard for those coming through in her footsteps."