Legendary pundit Graeme Souness was sacked by Sky Sports over a comment he made about football being a "man's game", according to Richard Keys.
The former Rangers player and manager announced last month following Liverpool's win over Tottenham Hotspur that he would not return to the broadcaster next season. Souness has worked for Sky for around 15 years as a pundit after he was sacked by Newcastle United back in 2006. The 70-year-old former Scotland captain said Sky was in "good hands" when he announced he was leaving.
Keys, who resigned from Sky Sports for making sexist comments about a female assistant referee in 2011, claims he was told by a satellite insider that Souness was pushed out the door for remarks he made following the conclusion of Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Spurs earlier this season. He received criticism at the time for the comments with Lioness Bethany England and former player Eni Aluko among those to accuse him of belittling women’s football.
Writing on his blog, Keys said: "It turns out it was decided to dispense with Graeme’s services the moment he referred to football being a ‘man’s game’. Remember? He used that phrase after Chelsea ’s 2-2 draw v Spurs in August. His comments caused a bit of a stir. He was clumsy in his phraseology. He didn’t mean harm, but you can’t say that any more. Football is simply a game – enjoyed by everyone. And we should celebrate that.
"I think most people felt that Graeme had been clumsy and he’s a much loved character, so they were happy to give him the benefit of the doubt - but senior management at Sky certainly weren’t. They decided that was it. He’d be out at the first opportunity."
Speaking on Sky after the Chelsea and Tottenham at the start of the season, Souness said: "Referees are letting a lot more go and it allows for a better watch. It’s a man's game all of a sudden now. I thoroughly enjoyed both games today."
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