Gabby Logan and Richard Keys’ feud as Terry Yorath tribute sparks fury | Football | Sport

Richard Keys sparked outrage with his remarks regarding the death of Gabby Logan’s father Terry Yorath this week. This marks yet another chapter in the ongoing tensions between Logan and Keys. Keys’ homage to Yorath was considered by many to verge on tactless. The Welsh footballing legend and Leeds United hero died aged 75, with his passing confirmed on Thursday morning after a brief illness.

Responding to Yorath’s death, Keys initially posted on X: “Sad to hear the news of Terry Yorath’s passing. He was a warrior and won fans over wherever he played. He was great for us at Coventry and 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”. Numerous observers felt the BeIN Sports broadcaster’s tribute lacked sensitivity. However, the former Sky Sports anchor’s message represents merely the latest episode in a troubled relationship with Match of the Day host Logan.

Laura Woods hits out

Sports broadcaster Laura Woods was amongst the first to challenge Keys’ peculiar tribute to Yorath. The TNT Sports presenter fired back: “Sorry… but what a t**t. Said with zero surprise.”

She continued: “Also want to add my respects to the thousands of others who are showing their compassionately to a much beloved broadcaster and her family. Sending all my love x.”

Former BBC Sport presenter Dan Walker also urged Keys to reconsider his tribute. He wrote: “Richard, just imagine what it would be like for Gabby, or a member of her family, to read this. 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 subsequently addressed his remarks on X, stating: “What a shame my words for a footballing hero of mine were entirely misinterpreted. Terry Yorath was a fabulous guy. A warrior. My affection for him meant I was more than happy to help him and his family in any way I could. Gabby’s career would make any father proud. RIP Terry.”

Libel action

In 2022, Keys threatened “libel action” against Logan following her account of an encounter with him and former Sky Sports colleague Andy Gray in her autobiography, ‘The First Half’.

Logan joined Sky Sports in 1996, remaining for two years before transferring to ITV. She alleged that Keys and Gray made “cruel” remarks about her during a 2005 flight.

In her book, she wrote: “Even years after I’d left Sky, it appeared I was still fair game for Gray and Keys. I sat a row behind them on a flight to Istanbul for the Champions League Final in 2005, which I was covering for ITV. I was seven months pregnant with twins, and I was huge. I looked like I’d swallowed a space hopper.

“In full earshot of me – and anyone who might be listening in our business-class cabin – Richard said: ‘So, Andy, what do you think of pregnant women?’ I was embarrassed, of course, and thought their comments were especially cruel, bearing in mind they both had children and wives of their own.

“Luckily, by that time I had been working with lovely men such as Ally McCoist and Andy Townsend at ITV, who were kind and caring, always asked after my wellbeing, and seemed genuinely excited for me about the babies. Keys and Gray were dinosaurs, waiting to become extinct.”

Following these allegations, Keys responded on X, formerly Twitter: “With reference to an article published by The Mail on Sunday written by Ms Gabby Logan. Ms Logan has made a number of wildly inaccurate allegations in the process of defaming my reputation. I have referred the matter to lawyers with a view to proceeding with libel action.”

Keys blasts Match of the Day

When a three-presenter lineup featuring Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates was unveiled as Gary Lineker‘s replacement on Match of the Day last year, Keys launched an attack on Logan.

In a blog post, he wrote: “Gabby Logan is someone else I opened the door for. I did that because her dad had played for Coventry and I was a big fan! She’s good – but a handful.

“Sadly she p***** everybody off at Sky with her demanding attitude and my gaffer then – Vic Wakeling – let her go after two years. I’m told by people that work with her now nothing has changed. Oh well – one day maybe.”

He also suggested the iconic highlights show was on its last legs, adding: “MotD desperately needs fresh blood, but I’m not sure it will survive for very much longer. Eventually Grandstand died for similar reasons – the march of time.”