Sky Sports reporter stood down from cup match after sexist remarks

Sky Sports' Andy Gray and Andy Burton discussing linesman Sian Massey prior to Saturday's Premier League match between Wolves and Liverpool. Video courtesy of Sky Sports.

Sky Sports has confirmed that reporter Andy Burton has been "stood down" from covering tomorrow's Carling Cup match between Birmingham City and West Ham, following comments he made about linesman Sian Massey.

In an off-air conversation with Sky Sports colleague Andy Gray, a football pundit, Burton described Massey as "a bit of a looker".

In a video which emerged of the conversation (available above from Sky News) Burton went on to say: "He says she (Massey) is all right. Now I don't know if I should trust his judgment on that?"

To which Gray responds: "No, I wouldn't. I definitely wouldn't.”

It was revealed today that Gray, who was also recorded making disparaging remarks about Massey during Saturday's Premier League match between Wolves and Liverpool, has been sacked by Sky Sports in response to "new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour" from December last year.

Gray and fellow pundit Richard Keys were initially suspended on Monday after they were both inadvertently recorded making sexist remarks about both Massey and West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady.

Sky News reported today that Gray's sacking was effective immediately.

"Andy Gray’s contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour," Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports said in a statement.

"After issuing a warning yesterday, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information today."

It is not yet known what this "new evidence" refers to.

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