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Keys resigns Sky Sports role

Image: Keys: Apologised for remarks

Richard Keys has resigned from Sky Sports in the wake of the row about female assistant referee Sian Massey.

Football frontman quits amid Massey controversy

Richard Keys has resigned from his role as football anchorman for Sky Sports in the wake of the row about female assistant referee Sian Massey. Keys had already apologised for his remarks about Massey, and added to those regrets in a statement made after resigning. Fellow presenter Andy Gray was fired on Tuesday as part of the controversy and Keys gave that decision as part of his reason for going. "I am deeply sorry for my remarks and the offence they have caused; it was wrong and should not have happened," Keys said in a statement. "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." Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: "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." Earlier on Wednesday, Gray also issued a statement which read: "I am very sorry that certain comments made by me have caused offence. Such comments were made off air to work colleagues, and were of course never intended to be broadcast. "I was very upset when the comments were brought to my attention, and it was my intention to apologise on Monday night when I was back on air for the Bolton v Chelsea game. Sadly I was unable to do so as I was suspended from the show by Sky Sports and have now been sacked. "Football is my life and I am devastated by losing the job that I love. I am equally upset that third parties have been dragged into this issue."

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