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FA backs female officials after sexism row

Richard Keys and Andy Gray find themselves under scrutiny © PA Photos

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The Football Association has come out in support of assistant referee Sian Massey and its other female officials in response to sexist comments made by Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys and pundit Andy Gray.

The Mail on Sunday was passed a recording of an off-air discussion the two men held during the game between Wolves and Liverpool on Saturday. Keys said "somebody better get down there and explain offside to her", while Gray agreed, saying of female officials: "they probably don't know the offside rule".

Gray further criticised former Premier League assistant referee Wendy Toms and Keys took issue with a column by Karren Brady in Saturday's Sun in which she commented on the level of sexism in the game. Keys said: "See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour, love."

Massey made a good call when adjudging Fernando Torres was onside when scoring Liverpool's first goal at Molineux, and the FA has issued a statement backing its female officials.

The statement read: "The FA has 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."

Referees body Professional Game Match Officials issued a statement from general manager Mike Riley which read: "All PGMO referees and assistant referees are appointed on merit and ability. They are assessed on their performances only."

Sky Sports released a statement that read: "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."

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