Laura Woods calls Richard Keys a 't**t' over 'tribute' to Gabby Logan's dad Terry Yorath
The sports presenter has received backlash over his tribute to the football star
Laura Woods has branded Richard Keys a 't**t' over his controversial tribute to Terry Yorath.
Earlier today it was confirmed that ex-football player and manager Yorath had passed away at the age of 75, following a short illness.
As well as enjoying a hugely successful career in the field the Leeds United and Wales international player was also the father to sports pundit Gabby Logan, a reference which Keys touched on during his tribute.
"Sad to hear the news of Terry Yorath’s passing," Keys said in a statement on X. "He was a warrior & won fans over wherever he played. He was great for us at Coventry & the reason I got Gabby a job at Sky. I had no idea who she was when we met but I knew her dad. RIP Terry. Your daughter did you proud."
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Keys' decision to suggest that Logan only received a job at Sky due to him knowing who her father was, instead of her previous experience in the media industry rubbed several people the wrong way.
Logan was forced off Match of the Day duties last night and replaced by Mark Chapman at the last minute following a family emergency, which sadly was confirmed today as the passing of her father.
"Sorry…but what a tw*t. Said with zero surprise," Woods clapped back in a response to the statement, adding: "Also want to add my respects to the thousands of others who are showing theirs compassionately to a much beloved broadcaster and her family."
The ITV and Prime Video presenter wasn't the only media figure to call out Keys on his comments, with 5 News' Dan Walker also revealing his shock at the comment.
"Richard, just imagine what it would be like for Gabby, or a member of her family, to read this," he wrote.
"I’m hoping you have just worded this badly and it isn’t a dig at a really difficult time. There is still time to change it."
Keys has since responded to the backlash, saying it was a shame that his original statement had been taken out of context by so many people.
"What a shame my words for a footballing hero of mine were entirely misinterpreted. Terry Yorath was a fabulous guy. A warrior," he wrote. "My affection for him meant I was more than happy to help him & his family in any way I could. Gabby’s career would make any father proud. RIP Terry."
Keys was famously hauled off the air by Sky Sports back in 2011, alongside Andy Gray, after they were discovered to have made sexist comments criticising the Premier League official Sian Massey and the West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady, who suggested that they made her 'blood boil'.
His latest comments, more than 14 years on from his initial outburst, have been met with equal outrage by members of the media, and while Keys is stuck commentating from Qatar, Logan has more than earned her position as one of the three hosts of Match of the Day.
Topics: Sport
Brenna Cooper