INFAMOUS punditry duo Richard Keys and Andy Gray are reportedly departing beIN Sports at the end of the season.
The former Sky Sports pair have been working for the Qatar-based broadcaster for the past 13 years.
Andy Gray and Richard Keys have spent 13 years with beIN Sports in QatarCredit: BeIN Sports
But, according to The Athletic, they will not be extending their contracts beyond the finale of the campaign.
That means the pair will NOT front the Middle Eastern channel’s coverage this summer.
Keys, 68, and Gray, 70, were the faces of Sky Sports’ football coverage for nearly two decades before Gray’s sacking in 2011.
Keys resigned soon after.
The duo were heard in leaked tapes making derogatory and sexist comments about female referee Sian Massey and other female figures in the industry.
The scandal began in January 2011 when assistant referee Massey was officiating a Premier League match between and .
Thinking their microphones had been switched off, Keys said: “Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her.”
Gray quipped: “Yeah, I know. Can you believe that? Female linesman. Forget what I said – they probably don’t know the offside rule.
Keys agreed: “Course they don’t.
And Gray replied: “Why is there a female linesman? Somebody’s f***ed up big.”
Another tape was revealed where Gray crudely discussed Massey’s physical appearance with a different colleague.
Following his resignation in 2011 Keys said: “I have thought long and hard and reached the decision that it is time to move on.
“Going forward without Andy would have been almost impossible.”
The duo’s most recent job departure is said to be a mutual decision, with the pair maintaining a good relationship with beIN.
It is unknown who will take over presenting duties on the channel.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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