Television host Dan Walker has joined the chorus of voices criticizing sports analyst Richard Keys for his recent tribute to Terry Yorath. The esteemed former Welsh soccer star and Leeds United icon passed away at the age of 75 after a brief illness.
Yorath’s daughter, renowned sports presenter Gabby Logan, was unexpectedly replaced by Mark Chapman while hosting BBC’s Match of the Day due to a family emergency. Messages of condolence and appreciation for Yorath’s legacy have been pouring in from various sources.
Even current beIN SPORTS pundit Keys, who claimed credit for Logan’s initial foray into sports media, paid homage to Yorath. Logan, who started her career at Sky Sports in 1996 before moving to ITV, was allegedly helped by Keys during her early days in the industry.
In response to Yorath’s passing, Keys took to Twitter to express his admiration for the late footballer and acknowledged his role in assisting Logan. However, Walker urged Keys to reconsider the tone of his tribute, emphasizing the sensitivity of the situation.
Another sports presenter, Laura Woods, also criticized Keys’ remarks, calling him out for his insensitivity. Following the backlash, Keys defended his intentions, stating his deep respect for Yorath and his family.
This incident is not the first time Keys and Logan have been at odds, with past public disputes shedding light on their strained relationship. Keys’ recent comments have sparked widespread criticism on social media, particularly due to their timing following Yorath’s passing.