SKY Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray were removed from duty yesterday as the fallout from their sexist comments about official Sian Massey intensified.

Keys and Gray held an offair discussion about Massey’s appointment for Saturday’s game between Wolves and Liverpool when they thought their microphones had been switched off.

They claimed that female officials did not understand the offside rule, suggested Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish would be unhappy with the appointment of a woman and challenged West Ham chief executive Karren Brady’s assertion that sexism is rife in football.

Their comments provoked a furious reaction that led to Sky officials relieving them of their presentational duties during last night’s televised game between Bolton and Chelsea.

Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis issued a strongly-worded statement reprimanding the duo, while England captain Rio Ferdinand used his Twitter account to brand their views as “prehistoric”.

One of our region’s leading female officials also entered the debate.

Georgina Pugh, a level seven FA referee from Thirsk, claimed Keys and Gray’s views reflected a latent sexism that was holding back the progress of female officials.

“They are sexist comments, but they are the general opinion of most people on the sidelines,”

said Pugh. “I believe that they are outdated views because whatever a bloke can do, we can do also.

“Most blokes don’t think there is a place for women in football. It is still seen as very much a man’s game, so the more women that get into the game the better.

“I was at an 18-year-old girl’s first game in charge this weekend, and they need moral support more than anything.”

Manchester United centrehalf Ferdinand used Twitter to give his full backing to female officials. Massey crucially made a correct borderline call in the build-up to Liverpool’s first goal in the 3- 0 victory at Molineux.

“I’m all for women refereeing in football, discrimination should not happen in our game at all...prehistoric views if u think otherwise..” said Ferdinand.

“Did anyone see the decision the lineswoman made in the Liverpool vs Wolves game...top decision. Judge them like men on their ability to ref.”

Francis attempted to defuse the row by issuing a stronglyworded statement outlining Sky’s disappointment at the behaviour of two of their most recognisable employees.

“I have spoken directly to both Richard Keys and Andy Gray this morning,” he said.

“It has been made clear to each of them that their comments were totally unacceptable.

“Those views are inexcusable, entirely inconsistent with our ethos as a business and employer, and will rightly offend many of our customers, our people, and the wider public.

“They are inexcusable from anyone at Sky, regardless of their role or seniority.

“We have dealt with this matter by taking immediate disciplinary action. As with any employee it would not be right to go into detail on those proceedings.

“However, they have been clearly warned about their behaviour and reminded of their responsibilities.

“In addition, Richard and Andy will not be involved in any way with tonight’s live Monday Night Football.”