Off-air comments by Andy Gray and Richard Keys that criticized assistant referee Sian Massey and were made public prompted Sky Sports to issue a statement citing that the comments were inappropiate and that both men have apologized. Sky Sports also reprimanded the duo and took them off the air for Monday's Bolton-Chelsea broadcast.

A Sky spokesperson said, "The comments reported today are not acceptable. They were not made on air or broadcast in any way but we have spoken to Richard and Andy and told them our views. They have apologized and expressed their regret."

Gray and Keys made the comments during a pre-game show. In the match itself, Massey correctly ruled a situation in the lead-up to Liverpool's first goal in its 3-0 victory at Wolverhampton. She is one of several women who have qualified to run the line or serve as fourth official for League Championship, FA Cup, and Premier League matches.

Speaking to each other in the studio, Keys said: "Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her."

To which Gray replied, "Can you believe that? A female linesman. Women don't know the offside rule." Keys concurred: "Course they don't."

Derisive comments by Keys regarding West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady complaining about sexism were also recorded and disseminated. The two men have not apologized publicly.