My Andy Gray piece as uploaded on Students of the Game (thanks for that chaps)

Martin Boonham on Football's Sexism

Gray and Keys in happier times

It seems Andy Gray and Richard Keys forgot to take note after Ron Atkinson’s comments got him the boot from ITV punditry many moons ago.

In fact I’m sure Big Ron will be having a sly smile to himself thinking he’s not the only one to put his foot in it so to speak.

True Gray’s and Key’s comments were sexist rather than of a racial nature, not that that makes things any better, but nevertheless they may find themselves landing in hot water soon enough.

I hope a hefty fine and slap on the wrist is sufficient as I’d miss the two’s thorough analysis on Monday Night Football.

Their comments were degrading and to all expense and purposes libellous in their suggestion that a female referee’s assistant could not do her job properly.

The big question however is, were their comments on Sian Massey justified?

They might be part of the ‘old guard’ as it were but both have been more than vocal on referee and their assistant’s poor jobs of officiating in the past.

In fact not a week goes by where a referee or offside decision is drawn into question on any football programme so why the big hoo ha around a woman referee’s assistant?

I say why not try them.

I personally can see no problem with having women as referee’s assistants, they are probably fitter and just as eagle eyed as their male counterparts and there is no logic behind saying that they would do a worse job than a man.

Sian Massey was at the centre of the 'scandal'

If anything, with the proper training as Sian Massey has obviously had, they may prove even more insightful than some of the more established refs and their assistants to our beloved game.

In fact Sian Massey played a big factor in allowing the first Torres goal to stand when others may have flagged offside.

Female referees might struggle however as they try to contain the heated exchanges that are becoming more and more frequent especially in big derby games or title defining 6 pointers.

The players might just about respect a woman lino but a woman ref might be pushing it especially in the heat of the moment.

Heaven forbid if anyone started mouthing off at the wrong time of the month, I suspect the likes of Wayne Rooney would hardly get a match in through all the suspensions they incur.

Then again Mike Dean loves his cards at the best of times.
All joking aside I can see the debate on this one raging on for a fair old while yet and it will be interesting to hear what some of the old guard in management like Sir Alex or King Kenny have to say on the matter.

I’m sure Ian Holloway will have a few cracking lines up his sleeve for when the occasion arises.

Now female commentators I’m not so sure about…