Skuse told to stay silent on sexism row
Tuesday 25th January 2011, 2:29PM GMT.
GRAHAM SKUSE, the local referees’ development officer, has refused to be drawn into a sexism row emanating from off-mike comments by Sky Sports’ Richard Keys and Andy Gray.
Skuse (pictured) said that he had been instructed not to comment on the issue, which has left the Sky Sports pair under pressure for their jobs.
The duo were heard criticising female assistant referee Sian Massey before the Wolves v. Liverpool match on Saturday, believing that their mikes were switched off.
Before kick-off, Keys was heard saying that ‘somebody better get down there and explain offside to her’, while Gray remarked ‘women don’t know the offside rule.’
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Of course he should stay quiet. What on earth has a conversation between 2 Sky TV pundits got to do with local football?
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A red card for you Sir Percy
As the local referees’ development officer, Graham Skuse should have grabbed the chance to condemn the dinosaur views of Gray and Keys (that women are not capable of understanding the offside rule) and he should have made it abundantly clear that local women are just as welcome as local men to become match officials in Guernsey.
Also, I don’t understand why anyone in refereeing circles or within the GFA would want to silence Mr Skuse on this issue. The Jersey Football Association has made its views clear. Who on earth ‘instructed’ Mr Skuse not to comment?
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Red card appeal please Martino.
If there is a local issue with sexism then by all means speak up. I was simply making the point that the opinions of a couple of idiots on Sky TV has absolutely no bearing on local football and therefore didn’t require comment.
Oh, by the way – wasn’t it ironic that the only serious offside decision the lady linesman had to make she got spot on?!
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Most unlike Skusey to not have a few words to say, normally you can’t shut him up!!
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Okay Sir Percy, downgraded to a yellow on video evidence!
I can see why you say there isn’t a local issue but I was thinking of any young local women who might be keen to become match officials. I just think it was a golden opportunity for ‘Skusey’ to say ‘hey, don’t be put off by these idiots’ comments, we warmly welcome female match officials in Guernsey’.
You’re right in what you say though. Sian Massey was spot on with that decision.
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I’d love to comment, but I’m under instruction not to. Sorry.
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Thank you Martino – a champion of fair play if ever there was.
I should think the fact that both Andy Gray and Richard Keys (albeit by his own choice) are now both without employ should be ample demonstration that female officials are welcome in football.
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I think Andy Gray and Richard Keys’ comments are a bit of a grey area (if you’ll excuse the pun) – I’m a chap and I don’t have a clue about the offside rule but neither does my wife, a woman. By this logic nobody understands the offside rule!
The last time I tried to comprehend, a friend put on a crude demonstration using various condiments on the pub table. All I got out of it was that mustard cannot score a goal unless salt and pepper are behind ketchup. Mayonnaise constitutes a straight red card. I also heard a rumor that vinegar was having an affair with salt’s girlfriend!
Football’s an odd game………
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Re:Ponderous
Thats the best post this week – thanks for the laugh!
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Throughout the years I too have had various boyfriends try to explain the rule to me by using various table condiments. I found the below analogy much more understandable, however, (as has been pointed out to me), doesn’t help the cause too much…
You’re in a shoe shop, second in the queue for the till. Behind the shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and which you must have.
The ‘opposing’ female shopper in front of you has also seen the shoes and is eyeing them with desire.
Both of you have forgotten your purses.
It would be totally rude to push in front of the first woman if you had no money to pay for the shoes.
The shop assistant remains at the till waiting.
Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop and sees your dilemma.
She prepares to throw her purse to you.
If she does you can catch the purse, then walk round the other shopper and buy the shoes.
At a pinch she could throw the purse ahead of the other shopper and *whilst in flight* you could nip around the other shopper, catch the purse and buy the shoes.
Always remembering that until the purse had *actually been thrown* it would be plain wrong to be forward of the other shopper.
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Peter
You like a laugh do you?
Try this…. Today’s Daily Mail tips Gary Neville as Andy Gray’s replacement! …. and if it’s in the Daily Mail you know it must be true!
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Ray
Surely not….. That Gary Nevile she dont even understand the off side rule a! But then if its in the mail like you say, thats as good as reading it in the press a!
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I found it hilarious, it was just some friendly banter, and it wasn’t their job to turn the mics off.
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