Richard Keys - Controversy

Controversy

Keys was involved in controversy while presenting the Faroe Islands against Scotland in a Euro 2008 qualifier on 6 June 2007 on Sky Sports. Shortly before closing the programme when he thought he was off-air he made remarks about the game. The feed was broadcast on the Sky High Definition channel. Sky apologized, saying that "Keys was at the end of a six-hour shift and was directing his comments towards the Faroe Islands' "quirky" stadium in Toftir rather than Scottish football". No action was taken regarding his position at Sky.

Keys was involved in another controversy on 6 April 2010 in the FC Barcelona vs Arsenal Champions League quarter final second leg, when he made remarks about Arsenal's Theo Walcott, and about other studio presenters and guests.

Keys' career at Sky came to an end with his resignation amid further controversy in January 2011. On 22 January, Keys was recorded making sexist remarks about female assistant referee, Sian Massey prior to Liverpool's Saturday lunchtime fixture at Wolves. In an off-air exchange with Andy Gray, Keys commented that "Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her." After Gray suggested that "Women don't know the offside rule", Keys remarked "Course they don't. I can guarantee you there will be a big one today. Kenny (Dalglish, Liverpool manager) will go potty. This isn't the first time, is it? Didn't we have one before?" Keys later said, "The game's gone mad. Did you hear the charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Do me a favour, love."

The remarks led to both Keys and Gray being suspended by Sky Sports for the Monday Night Football game between Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea and being given formal disciplinary action. Barney Francis, Sky Sports Managing Director explained that the pair's comments were "inexcusable from anyone at Sky regardless of their role or seniority".

The following day saw Gray dismissed by Sky over another incident and also further sexist remarks from Keys being revealed on tape. Keys had been caught making a series of sexual references about Jamie Redknapp's ex-girlfriend as the pair sat in a studio with Graeme Souness and Ruud Gullit before a game at Stamford Bridge. Keys twice asks Redknapp if he "smashed it", before adding: "Mind you, that's a stupid question, if you were anywhere near it, you definitely smashed it. You could have gone round there any night and found Redknapp hanging out the back of it".

On 26 January 2011, Keys spent an hour on-air on Talksport in an attempt to apologise and clear his name also blaming unapparent 'dark forces' at work. Keys resigned from his role later that day.

In late 2011 Keys and Gray appeared in Smash It!, a show designed for the corporate hospitality circuit. The title of the show came from sexual remarks that Keys had made to Jamie Redknapp. An earlier theatre tour in 2011 had to be cancelled due to poor ticket sales.

Keys has been appointed to present the 10am-1pm slot on Talksport with his former Sky colleague Andy Gray.