The simmering, years-long feud between prominent sports broadcasters Gabby Logan and Richard Keys has erupted into public view once again this week. The latest flashpoint was a controversial social media tribute from Keys following the death of Logan's father, the Welsh football legend Terry Yorath.
A Controversial Tribute Sparks Fresh Outrage
Terry Yorath, the former Leeds United and Wales icon, passed away at the age of 75 on Thursday morning after a short illness. In response, Richard Keys took to X, formerly Twitter, to offer his condolences. However, his message quickly drew widespread criticism for its perceived insensitivity.
Keys wrote: "Sad to hear the news of Terry Yorath's passing. He was a warrior & won fans over wherever he played. He was great for us at Coventry & 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."
Many interpreted the post as an attempt to claim credit for Logan's career rather than a sincere tribute. Fellow broadcaster Laura Woods led the criticism, bluntly responding: "Sorry… but what a t**t. Said with zero surprise." She added her respects to Logan and her family.
Former BBC presenter Dan Walker also intervened, urging Keys to reconsider his wording. "Richard, just imagine what it would be like for Gabby, or a member of her family, to read this," he posted. Keys later defended his post, claiming his words for a "footballing hero" had been "entirely misinterpreted."
A History of Tension: 'Cruel' Comments and Legal Threats
This incident is merely the latest chapter in a fractious relationship spanning decades. The discord dates back to Logan's early career at Sky Sports in 1996, where she worked for two years before moving to ITV.
The animosity was detailed in Logan's 2022 memoir, 'The First Half'. She recounted a particularly hurtful encounter on a flight to Istanbul for the 2005 Champions League Final. Logan, who was seven months pregnant with twins at the time, claimed Keys and his colleague Andy Gray made "cruel" comments about her pregnancy within earshot.
"In full earshot of me – and anyone who might be listening in our business-class cabin – Richard said: ‘So, Andy, what do you think of pregnant women?’" Logan wrote. She described feeling embarrassed and labelled the pair "dinosaurs, waiting to become extinct."
In a sharp response, Keys threatened legal action. He posted on X: "Ms Logan has made a number of wildly inaccurate allegations in the process of defaming my reputation. I have referred the matter to lawyers with a view to proceeding with libel action."
Ongoing Snipes and Professional Criticism
The rivalry has continued through professional barbs. Last year, when Gabby Logan was announced as part of the three-person team replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day, Keys used his blog to take another swipe.
He reiterated that he gave Logan her start at Sky because of her father, but called her "a handful." Keys claimed she "p***** everybody off at Sky with her demanding attitude" and suggested her former boss "let her go." He also pessimistically predicted the iconic highlights show was on "borrowed time."
The enduring nature of this feud highlights the deeply personal and professional tensions that have persisted between two of British sports broadcasting's most recognisable figures. With the painful context of a family bereavement now involved, the rift appears deeper than ever.
