Updated 7.53pm
HIGH-PROFILE SKY SPORTS presenter Richard Keys has quit his job following the leak of controversial comments made by him and former presenting colleague Andy Gray, according to Sky News.
In a statement, Keys said: “I am deeply sorry for my remarks and the offence they have caused; it was wrong and should not have happened. 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.
“I am and will remain proud of our work with football at Sky Sports and grateful to the many people who have worked with me. I wish Sky Sports continued success in the future.”
Keys had appeared on Talksport earlier today in an attempt to clarify the remarks.
He said he had made an official apology to Sian Massey, the referee’s assistant at last weekend’s game who was the subject of off-air remarks.
He said he had also tried to contact Karren Brady to apologise for disparaging remarks about her, but said she had not responded to his texts or returned his calls.
Keys said his comments were meant to be “ironic” and he found the public reaction to the comments “extraordinary”.
Andy Gray was fired on Tuesday after footage was leaked of him goading presenter Charlotte Jackson. A video of the incident, also featuring Richard Keys, was posted online this week and shows the pundit asking Jackson to tuck a microphone pack down his trousers.
Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said this evening: “It is disappointing that Richard’s career at Sky should end in these circumstances.
“However, Richard recognises that his comments at the weekend were unacceptable and we note that he has made a full and public apology. We thank him for his time in helping make Sky Sports the success it is today.”
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Additional reporting by Adrian Russell
