The sports broadcasting world has been rocked by a fresh controversy involving former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys, after a social media tribute he posted about the late football legend Terry Yorath drew fierce criticism from fellow presenter Laura Woods.
A Tribute That Sparked Fury
The incident unfolded on Thursday, January 9, 2026, following the announcement that Terry Yorath had died at the age of 75 after a short illness. Yorath, a Leeds United and Wales icon, was also the father of renowned BBC presenter Gabby Logan.
Logan had been forced to leave a live broadcast of Match of the Day the previous evening due to a 'family emergency'. In the wake of the sad news, tributes poured in for the respected footballer.
However, a post by Richard Keys on the social media platform X provoked immediate anger. Keys wrote: '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.'
Woods and Walker Lead the Backlash
TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods, 38, did not hold back in her response. Quoting Keys' message, she replied: 'Sorry… but what a t**t. Said with zero surprise.'
She added a further post, stating: 'Also want to add my respects to the thousands of others who are showing theirs compassionately to a much beloved broadcaster and her family. Sending all my love x.'
Former BBC presenter Dan Walker also intervened, urging Keys to reconsider his words. 'Richard, just imagine what it would be like for Gabby, or a member of her family, to read this,' Walker wrote on X. '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.'
Sky Sports presenter Dan Bardell responded sarcastically, posting: 'Great to take a trip down self indulgent memory lane at this time. Thoughts with you.'
Historical Tensions Resurface
The online spat has brought a painful history back into focus. In her 2022 memoir, 'The First Half', Gabby Logan accused Richard Keys and his former Sky colleague Andy Gray of making 'cruel' comments about her when she was seven months pregnant with twins in 2005.
Logan wrote that she overheard the pair, who were seated in front of her on a flight, engaging in a 'comedy routine' about the attractiveness of pregnant women. She described the men as 'dinosaurs, waiting to become extinct.'
Keys and Gray left Sky Sports in 2011 following a separate scandal involving sexist remarks. In a blog response to Logan's memoir in 2022, Keys claimed her allegations were 'cheap and inaccurate' and insisted he had helped start her career.
Keys' Defence and Family Statement
Facing the backlash over his tribute to Terry Yorath, Keys posted again on X in his defence. 'What a shame my words for a footballing hero of mine were entirely misinterpreted,' he wrote.
He continued: '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.'
The family of Terry Yorath released a full statement honouring his legacy. Born in Cardiff in 1950, Yorath was a First Division title winner with Leeds United in 1974 and earned 59 caps for Wales. He later managed Swansea City and the Welsh national team.
His children said: 'To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.'
The row underscores the lasting tensions within the sports media industry and has sparked a wider conversation about respect and legacy during times of personal grief.
