Andy Gray admits suicide fears

Former Sky Sports commentator and presenter Andy Gray has admitted that he considered taking his own life after he was sacked following a sexism scandal.

The former Scotland international was dismissed from his job for making sexist remarks regarding female assistant referee Sian Massey.

The ex-striker's co-presenter Richard Keys later resigned over the controversy surrounding the issue.

When asked by the Evening Standard if he contemplated suicide, the 59-year-old responded: "Yes. I would be lying if I said I didn't. I had never felt like I have felt from January 25th [last year] onwards.

"It happened on a Saturday morning. I got a call on Monday from [deputy head of Sky Sports] Andy Melvin just telling us, 'Don't come in today for Monday night football'. It escalated from there for some reason, I've no idea why.

"[The incident] was a private bit of banter released to the social media and for some reason the press etc tore us apart. I have no problems with a woman referee. It wasn't a criticism, it was a light-hearted quip."

Gray has admitted that he wish he had never made the comments, which landed him in hot water with the broadcast company.

"I wish I'd never said it and, if I caused Sian any problems, then of course I'm terribly disappointed. Richard [Keys] phoned her, apologised on our behalf and she said, 'Don't be so stupid, guys'."

Gray and Keys now have a regular show on radio channel talkSPORT.