The football world mourned the loss of Terry Yorath, a Welsh legend and former Leeds United star, who passed away at 75 after a brief illness. His daughter, beloved broadcaster Gabby Logan, was bravely presenting Match of the Day when news broke, forcing her to abruptly leave the live broadcast due to the devastating family emergency.
Amidst the outpouring of tributes, a shadow fell with a post from former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys. His message, ostensibly honoring Yorath, subtly centered his own role in Logan’s career, stating he “got Gabby a job at Sky” and “had no idea who she was” before knowing her father. It was a seemingly innocuous statement that ignited a firestorm of criticism.
Laura Woods, a prominent TNT Sports presenter, didn’t hesitate. She publicly branded Keys’ words as deeply insensitive, using stark language to express her outrage. Her response resonated with many, highlighting a perceived pattern of self-aggrandizement at a time of profound grief.
The backlash intensified, with former BBC presenter Dan Walker urging Keys to reconsider his post, questioning whether he fully understood the pain his words might inflict on Logan and her family. Walker’s plea underscored the importance of empathy and sensitivity during such a vulnerable moment.
Sky Sports presenter Dan Bardell added to the chorus of disapproval, sarcastically noting the “self-indulgent” timing of Keys’ reminiscence. The mounting pressure forced Keys to defend his statement, claiming it had been “entirely misinterpreted” and reiterating his respect for Yorath and his daughter.
This incident wasn’t isolated. Logan’s 2022 memoir, “The First Half,” revealed past instances of what she described as “cruel” comments from Keys and former colleague Andy Gray, even during her pregnancy. She recounted a disturbing exchange overheard on a flight, detailing their dismissive and insensitive remarks.
Keys, in turn, responded to Logan’s account with a lengthy blog post, defending his actions and accusing her of “smearing” him and others in the industry. He maintained he had always supported her career and dismissed her claims as inaccurate and unfair.
Beyond the personal conflict, the passing of Terry Yorath represents a significant loss to the football community. He was a commanding presence in midfield for Wales, earning 59 caps, and a key player during Leeds United’s golden era under Don Revie, securing a First Division title in 1974.
Following his playing career, Yorath transitioned into management, achieving success at Swansea City and narrowly missing World Cup qualification while leading the Welsh national team. He remained a dedicated figure in the sport, mentoring and advising for years.
The family’s statement painted a poignant portrait of Yorath as a “quiet, kind and gentle man” – a beloved father, grandfather, and a true footballing hero. His legacy extends far beyond the pitch, remembered for his professionalism, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the game.
