Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keyes has moved to clarify his comments about Gabby Logan on social media following widespread criticism, claiming he was “misunderstood” while praising his late father Terry Yorath. The Welsh football great and Leeds icon died on Thursday morning, aged 75, after a short illness.
Keys initially posted on X (formerly Twitter) following news of Yorath’s death, writing: “Sad to hear of Terry Yorath’s passing. He was a warrior and captivated fans wherever he played. He was great for us at Coventry. “And that’s why I gave Gabby the job at Sky. I had no idea who she was when I met her, but her father did. Rest in peace Terry. Your daughter was so proud.”
Sports broadcaster Laura Woods was furious at Keys’ eulogy and said, unsurprised, “I’m sorry, but what the heck.”
“I would also like to pay tribute to the thousands of others who have shown their compassion to the much-loved broadcaster and his family. Sending all our love.”
Former BBC Sport presenter Dan Walker also urged Keyes to reconsider his message: “Richard, imagine what would happen if Gabby and her family read this.
“I hope you just said this in a terrible way and it’s not terrible at a really difficult time. There’s still time to change that.”
Rogan’s statements regarding his career were not well received, and this is not the first time Rogan has suggested that Gabby helped him secure his first role in sports media.
Logan joined Sky Sports in 1996 and spent two years there before moving to ITV. Keys’ recent comments highlight their ongoing feud.
In her 2022 memoir, she made several accusations, describing her former colleague as a “brutal dinosaur.”
In response, Keyes unleashed a 1,000-word rebuttal on social media, attacking her and her “slander.”
Later on Thursday, Mr. Keyes asked Mr. X to clarify his initial statement. “It is unfortunate that my words to my footballing hero have been completely misunderstood,” he wrote.
“Terry Yoras was an amazing man. A warrior. My love for him meant I was willing to help him and his family in any way I could. Gabby’s career would make any father proud. Rest in peace Terry.”
Rogan turned down the Match of the Day host on Wednesday night’s live broadcast and was replaced by Mark Chapman, who rushed in from the radio studios at the BBC’s Manchester headquarters in Salford Quays.
Following Thursday’s news of his death, his family issued a joint statement saying: “To many he was a revered football hero, but to us he was a quiet, kind and gentle father. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort in knowing he will be reunited with his brother Daniel.”
Gabby later shared her own heartfelt condolences on social media, writing: “Rest in peace dad. Our hearts are broken. Your love and legacy will live on.”
Gabby sent a broader message, writing: “Thank you for all the messages of love and support today. It meant so much to us. Our father was a warrior on the football pitch, captained his club and country, and off the field he was a kind and generous man who would have hated the attention (well, most of it).”
“The stories that strangers shared with us today were very comforting. He touched the lives of so many people.
“We knew he had limited time but it’s still a shock. Yesterday afternoon I sat by his bedside at St James’s Hospital in Leeds and debated whether roast potatoes with calf’s liver were better than mashed potatoes. That was the meal he decided he would like to have when he gets home tomorrow.
“It’s a shame he had to endure so much pain. The tragedy of the Bradford fire will forever be in his heart and the loss of Daniel defined the second half of his life.
“Thank you dad for instilling in me a passion for fairness. Thank you for letting me play rounders and competing after dinner even though Louise always beat me. Thank you for not making me pay $1,865,986 when I was 8 years old and kept losing on double or give-up cards.”
“Thank you for teaching me the value of money by challenging me to eat a pot of mustard for dinner for £5 so I could buy the shoes I wanted when I was 12 (even though my mother was scared). Thank you for giving me a lifelong love of sport. Thank you for relentlessly teasing me with your wicked sense of humour.”
“And to the wonderful J16 staff at Jimmy’s who have been so kind and caring to him, you are all angels. I love you, Dad.”
