Richard Keys and Andy Gray Sexist Debate Hugely Overblown

A devisive debate, which could regrettably affect the careers of two of the best televised football presenters, is being hugely overblown today.

Prior to last Saturday's match between Premier League sides Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux, Keys and Gray were recorded, off the air, passing comment on the selection of a female referee's assistant (or  linesman to every man in the land), and whether somebody should go an explain the offside rule to her.

Now, the salient points of the matter are simple, the comments were made between two very experienced, passionate men at a football match, whilst they were off air.  Private comments and conversations between two 'blokes' before doing their job on a Saturday lunchtime is really not what I'd call high agenda news material.

Well the producers of BBC Radio Five Live's breakfast programme certainly think it is.  It was the lead story in the headlines and throughout the show on Monday morning.  Likewise, the Stephen Nolan show on Sunday night on the same network gave the matter far too much air time.

These private comments between Keys and Gray have probably gone on for years, and between many television presenters and pundits, in many different circumstances.

The difference here?  Well, had the comments been broadcast at the time the comments were made, then there might be an arguement for unprofessionalism, and calls for apologies.  These comments were leaked by some unscrupulous Sky Sports employee who should be apologising to Keys and Gray and heading down to the nearest Job Centre to sign on.

Sky Sports have released a short statement saying; "The comments are not acceptable. They were not made on air but we have spoken to Richard and Andy and told them our views and they have apologised and expressed their regret."

Sky Sports should leave it at that now, and let the whole thing blow over.  However, the BBC, and more importantly, BBC Radio Five Live have questions to answer.  Are they stirring it up because it is BSkyB in the light of the News Corp takeover debate?  Would Five Live have gone so big on the story if it involved Match of the Day's Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer?