Andy Gray. Stupid, yes, but is he the victim of a bigger plot?So, the recent sacking of Sky Sports pundit Andy Gray has perhaps raised more question than it has solved, and has led many to question the attitudes to sexism in this country.
Viewing/listening to the tapes, it is clear that Andy Gray's attitudes to women are , shall we say, less than enlightened. The first to be revealed, was the rant about referee's assistant Sian Massey not knowing the offside rule, due apparently, to her having double the number of X-chromosomes as they did (and arguably three time the humility and four times the intelligence). The fact that it was Richard Keys, and not Andy Gray who was arguable leading the discussion seems to have passed most people by. Who amongst us, except maybe the most ardent supporters/critics of a point of view, can truly say that we have always stood up to an opinion we disagree with? I am ashamed to say that barely ten months ago, in a discussion anout the looming election, a colleague of mine said "I'm gonna vote BNP this time. I'm sick of all these fuckin' pakis round 'ere" and I didn't challenge her, merely mumbling some non-committal nothings in response. Sure, when my friend attacked her opinion I joined in, but I had it just been me and her, I'd have just sat and listened to her racist tirade. Didn't want to rock the boat you see? How very English of me.
Then we learned on a second tape, apparently recorded off-air last December, in which Andy, whilst arranging his audio equipment in preparation for the live broadcast, asks if co-presenter Charlotte Jackson would mind tucking his into his trousers. Again, this, to me, seems to be banter, although it must be said, Charlotte doesn't appear to be too happy about these comments.
Then, further footage was leaked from before the Wolves vs Liverpool game, in which Andy Gray and Andy Burton were seen discussing the physical appearance of Sian Massey, and finally, we saw an off-air discussion about one of Jamie Redknapp's ex-girlfriends, in which Richard Keys remarks that "you'd definitely smash it" and that you could "go round any night to find Redknapp hanging out the back of it".
However, the backlash which has followed (more on that later) is far more dangerous, and threatens to set back much of the progress that has been made in recent years. Much of it centres on television programmes like 'Loose Women': "99% of men would talk that way in the presence of other men (in Key's instance)" says Lee (Swansea) - the highest-rated comment on this Daily Mail article. "so women are not sexist then? May i suggest you go and watch Loose Women" says Shane (south east) the second-highest rated comment. This is to cloud the issue. Whilst these day men are discriminated against in some areas - child custody being one area - overwhelmingly, it is women who have the rougher deal - lower pay, poorer standard of living etc.
All of this footage thought seem to have somehow been leaked by Sky, so I guess the only real lesson to be learned from this whole situation is this: If the company you work for and the company you're suing have the same Parent Company - keep your nose clean.
