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Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has telephoned assistant referee Sian Massey to apologise for his off-air remarks about her at the weekend, a Professional Game Match Officials spokesman has confirmed.
Microphones picked up comments made by Keys and co-presenter Andy Gray in what they thought was an off-air conversation before the Wolves versus Liverpool match on Saturday, in which they appeared to agree that female officials 'don't know the offside rule.
Keys added: 'I can guarantee you there'll be a big one today. (Liverpool manager) Kenny (Dalglish) will go potty.'
The pair have been reprimanded by Sky Sports for their comments about Massey and West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady and were not involved in Sky's coverage of tonight's Bolton v Chelsea match as a result.
The PGMO confirmed that Keys had telephoned Massey today.
She accepted the apology and is now keen to move on from the matter, and will be an assistant at the npower League Two match between Crewe and Bradford tomorrow night.
The PGMO insist that Massey holds her position on merit and is keen to act as a positive role model for women's refereeing.
In the same off-air discussion with Gray, Keys also went on to remark on comments made by Hammers vice-chairman Brady in The Sun on Saturday morning about the level of sexism in football, saying: 'See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour, love.'
Brady said: 'It makes my blood boil, if I'm absolutely honest. What really upsets me is the fact only females in our industry are judged by their gender. And that is categorically wrong.
'I'm genuinely disappointed. It never would have occurred to me that they had those views, whether public or private.'
Lord Herman Ouseley, chair of Kick It Out, English football's equality and inclusion campaign, insists the remarks are at odds with football's diversity agenda.
'This indicates a lack of understanding by individuals at the forefront of sports broadcasting who are revered and respected by many, and hints at wider issues about sexism in society,' he said.
