MERSEYSIDE sports stars have united in condemning two Sky Sports presenters for off-air comments made about a female official before a Liverpool FC game.

Everton Ladies’ striker Natasha Dowie labelled the remarks by Richard Keys and ex-Everton striker Andy Gray as “disappointing”, after the pair were recorded discussing the appointment of Sian Massey as a referee’s assistant ahead of Liverpool’s game with Wolves at Molyneux last Saturday.

The veteran presenters agreed that female officials “don’t know the offside rule”, with Keys adding: “I can guarantee you there’ll be a big one today. “Kenny (Dalglish) will go potty.”

Keys also went on to remark on comments made by Apprentice star Karren Brady about the level of sexism in football by saying: “See charming Karren Brady this morning, complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour, love.”

During the game, Massey correctly ruled Liverpool’s opening goal onside, and Dowie, the niece of former Northern Ireland star Iain, said: “It’s disappointing. I watched the game and thought it was a terrific call.

“It was onside so, if anything, they should be praising her rather than making comments like that.”