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Sexism Row

Sacked Andy Gray to sue Sky Sports

Former television pundit likely to take a case of unfair dismissal against the station.

SACKED SKY SPORTS football pundit Andy Gray is likely to kick off a legal battle for millions of pounds.

Several newspapers report that the former Aston Villa and Everton striker has hired a top law firm to build a case for ‘unfair dismissal’.

Gray was shown the door at the station in the wake of damaging behind-the-scenes footage which emerged this week.

He and presenter Richard Keys were first heard discussing the merits or otherwise of female match official Sian Massey before the Liverpool and Wolves game on Saturday.

They also spoke about a newspaper column on sexism in football written by West Ham chief executive Karren Brady.

Later another damaging pitch-side conversation about the ref, between reporter Andy Burton and Gray, appeared online. Gray was ultimately sacked when a clip showing him asking Charlotte Jackson to tuck something into his trousers was leaked.

The Irish Daily Star reports that the Scot is now planning to sue for around £4.3million. The Mirror however insists that he is targeting a £3million payout. The Mirror reports:

Sources close to Gray also revealed yesterday that he found out he was being sacked “just minutes” before the news was released to the media.

Gray’s contract was worth £1.7million-a-year. His long-time on-screen partner, Richard Keys, might follow his lead in taking legal action. He is said to be consulting lawyers too.

Keys’s position became untenable after a new tape of him making sexist remarks became public. He yesterday tried to salvage the situation with an hour-long radio interview on Talk Sport.

The full audio is here and here’s a sample:

Keys ultimately forced the station’s hand when he admitted in the ill-judged radio appearance that more damning footage is likely to be uncovered, saying: “I’m almost certain people are looking for more clips.

If you dig far enough and deep enough you will find what you are looking for.

Hours later, Keys had resigned after a showdown meeting with bosses.

Listen to the entire Talk Sport interview| Sky presenter on the brink | Take a bow son, Andy Gray sacked by station