Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said the pair had been removed from their duties covering tonight's Bolton and Chelsea clash.He said: "I have spoken directly to both Richard Keys and Andy Gray this morning.
"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."
The pair were recorded off-air saying women "probably don’t know the offside rule", when they were discussing the appointment of Sian Massey (left pic) to Saturday’s Premier League match between Wolves and Liverpool.Gray has also been caught discussing Massey in an interview pre-amble, during which her appearance is referred to.
A reporter described her as a "bit of a looker", referring to comments made by another team member.
"He says she is alright," the reporter added. "Now I don't know if I should trust his judgement on that?"
Gray replied: "Nah, I wouldn't. I definitely wouldn't."
Two Sky Sports football presenters have been disciplined and dropped from coverage of a Premier League match after making critical comments about a female assistant referee.
Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said the pair had been removed from their duties covering tonight's Bolton and Chelsea clash.
He said: "I have spoken directly to both Richard Keys and Andy Gray this morning.
It has been made clear to each of them that their comments were totally unacceptable.
Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis
"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."
Sue Tibballs, Women’s Sport And Fitness Foundation
The pair were recorded off-air saying women "probably don’t know the offside rule", when they were discussing the appointment of Sian Massey to Saturday’s Premier League match between Wolves and Liverpool.
Gray has also been caught discussing Massey in an interview pre-amble, during which her appearance is referred to.
A reporter described her as a "bit of a looker", referring to comments made by another team member.
"He says she is alright," the reporter added. "Now I don't know if I should trust his judgement on that?"
Gray replied: "Nah, I wouldn't. I definitely wouldn't."
I am surprised they didn't say 'better go and get her to get the kettle on'
Read Karren Brady's response to the comments
A crew member then refers to her again, and Gray is heard replying: "I can see her from here [expletives]. What do women know about the offside rule?"
During the match, both Keys and Gray made comments about Massey's abilities.
Keys said: "Somebody better get down there and explain the offside rule to her."
To which Gray replied: "Yeah, I know, can you believe that? A female linesman. That’s exactly what I was saying: women don’t know the offside rule.
"Why do we call them linesmen?"
Keys then added: "Course they don’t. I can guarantee you there'll be a big one today. Kenny (Liverpool manager Dalglish) will go potty."
Keys has also come under fire for remarking on comments made by West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady in The Sun on Saturday about the amount of sexism in football.
He was recorded as saying: "The game’s gone mad. See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism?
"Yeah. Do me a favour, love."
The comments, none of which were transmitted, were made when the pair believed their microphones were switched off.
Karren Brady has criticised the pair for their comments, saying they made her "blood boil".
"I am surprised they didn't say 'better go and get her to get the kettle on'," she told Radio Five Live.
Celebrities from the world of sport have also spoken out about the incident on Twitter.
England captain Rio Ferdinand said: "I'm all for women refereeing in football, discrimination should not happen in our game at all...prehistoric views if u think otherwise.."
He had earlier written: "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."
The Football Association has given its support to Massey, 25, who made a correct borderline call in the build up to Liverpool’s first goal.
An FA statement said: "The FA has made real strides in encouraging both male and female match officials to enter the game at every level, and will continue to offer every encouragement to all officials within the football family to progress to the highest levels possible.
"We are proud to have some of the world's best match officials, both male and female.
"Overall, the number of female referees in England (Levels 1-8) stands at 853 and climbing, and all of our female match officials act as fantastic ambassadors for the game.
"They have our wholehearted and continuing support." (news.sky)
Assistant Referee Sian Massey during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Blackpool at the Stadium of Light on December 28, 2010 in Sunderland, England.