Miss Sian Masey was the referee’s assistant for the Wolves v Liverpool match, Sat 22nd January 2011.
Seeing her name on the officials list, caused Sky’s richard Keys and Andy Gray (before going on air) to mutter unfavourable impressions of her capabilities, based purely on her gender. As well as having a pop at Karen Brady. Both thought they were off-mic, as well as off-air.
Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: “Their comments were totally unacceptable.”
At time of writing, the Sky pundits were suspended from the following SKy broadcast, Bolton v Chelsea (big win for the Blues!).
An FA statement said it had made “real strides in encouraging both male and female match officials to enter the game at every level, and will continue to offer every encouragement to all officials within the football family to progress to the highest levels possible”.
“We are proud to have some of the world’s best match officials, both male and female.”
“Overall the number of female referees in England (Levels 1-8) stands at 853 and climbing, and all of our female match officials act as fantastic ambassadors for the game.”
“They have our wholehearted and continuing support,” it said.
Referees body Professional Game Match Officials issued a statement from their general manager Mike Riley.
It said: “All PGMO referees and assistant referees are appointed on merit and ability. They are assessed on their performances only.”
Former executive deputy chairman of Millwall Football Club Heather Rabbatts told BBC Radio 5 live the game needed more female officials.
“But when they’re appointed, sadly, they’ll get the same abuse as their male colleagues.”
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