Richard Keys warns Sky Sports legend he ‘could be next’ after Graeme Souness exit

‘I’d be looking over my shoulder’

Richard Keys has warned Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler that he ‘could be next’ to leave the broadcaster following Graeme Souness’ recent exit.

Souness left after but 15 years working as a pundit for Sky and made his final appearance on April 30 for Liverpool’s 4-3 win against Tottenham Hotspur.

Although it has been reported that Sky made the decision not to extend Souness’ contract, Keys has claimed that he was told by an insider that the former Liverpool manager’s departure is linked to comments he made earlier in the season.

The 70-year-old made headlines for all of the wrong reasons in August in the aftermath of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Spurs, prompting furious backlash online.

During that day, he said: “Referees are letting a lot more go and it allows for a better watch. It’s a man’s game all of a sudden now. I thoroughly enjoyed both games today.”

Writing in his blog, he said: “It turns out it was decided to dispense with Graeme’s services the moment he referred to football being a ‘man’s game’. Remember? He used that phrase after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw v Spurs in August.

“His comments caused a bit of a stir. He was clumsy in his phraseology. He didn’t mean harm, but you can’t say that anymore. Football is simply a game – enjoyed by everyone. And we should celebrate that.”

Keys also warned long-time commentator Tyler that he could face a similar outcome after he was accused of racism on social media by some users for comments made about Spurs’ Son Heung-min.

He added: “If I was Martin Tyler I’d be looking over my shoulder after what were described as his ‘racist comments’ about Son Heung-min recently. Again – I’d say Martin was simply clumsy, but you can be sure the incident is on file somewhere at Gillette Corner.

“And I think I know who the Guardian of that file will be – the same person that did for Graeme.”

Sky Sports have yet to respond to Keys’ comments.

Related links:

• Graeme Souness describes criticism of Harry Maguire as ‘vile’
• ‘I don’t know what his problem is’ – Jack Grealish hits back at Graeme Souness.
• Roy Keane gives priceless reaction to Graeme Souness’ Liverpool vs Man United prediction