Richard Keys' Premier League Show Cancelled Amid Qatar Explosions
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys was dramatically forced off the air on Saturday after joint US-Israel military strikes on Iran triggered regional chaos, with explosions reportedly heard in Qatar where his studio is based. Keys, who fronts beIN Sports' Premier League coverage alongside Andy Gray, took to social media to confirm the cancellation of his regular Saturday show, blaming 'that idiot Trump' for the escalating situation.
Broadcast Interrupted as Missiles Target Gulf Region
The broadcaster's Premier League coverage was pulled abruptly after explosions were heard in Doha, Qatar, where beIN Sports operates its main studio. Keys wrote on Twitter: 'Thank you all for your messages. It was a bit lively earlier. I don't have space to express my feelings about that idiot Trump. No show today.' He added that viewers would be handled by colleagues in London and offered 'thoughts & prayers for everyone in our region,' signing off with 'Ramadan Kareem.'
This disruption occurred as the UK Foreign Office issued urgent advice to British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to 'immediately shelter in place' due to reported missile attacks. The statement emphasized remaining indoors, avoiding all travel, and following local authority instructions.
Regional Escalation Following US-Israel Strikes on Iran
The chaos stems from President Donald Trump's announcement of 'major combat operations' underway after US and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran, described as aiming to stop a 'very wicked, radical dictatorship' from threatening the US and its allies. In retaliation, Iran launched strikes across the Gulf, with explosions reported in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait.
Missiles also hit targets in Bahrain, home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters. US officials confirmed infrastructure damage in Bahrain, though it remains unclear if the fleet base was impacted, with no US casualties reported initially. Qatar's defense ministry stated it had intercepted incoming Iranian missiles before they reached Qatari territory through 'joint coordination.'
Keys and Gray's Doha Base Since 2013
Keys and Gray have been based in Doha since 2013, two years after losing their Sky Sports positions following a sexism scandal. Their long-running Premier League coverage on beIN Sports has made them fixtures in Middle Eastern broadcasting, now directly affected by the geopolitical tensions. The incident highlights how regional conflicts can disrupt international media operations, with sports programming unexpectedly caught in the crossfire of military actions.
The broader context includes ongoing reports of casualties, such as at least five girls killed in missile strikes on an Iranian primary school, and travel disruptions like Emirates cancelling all flights amid the strikes. As the situation develops, questions about Iran's nuclear capabilities and missile arsenal continue to fuel international concern, with leaders like Keir Starmer urging Iran to 'refrain from indiscriminate strikes.'
