Andy Gray is returning to UK broadcasting this week with a commentary role for Liverpool's Champions League match. The 70-year-old Scottish pundit will partner Jim Proudfoot on talkSPORT's coverage of Liverpool hosting Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday with an 8pm kick-off.
This marks Gray's first regular UK broadcasting work in twelve years. He was dismissed by Sky Sports in 2011 after an off-air conversation with colleague Richard Keys was leaked. That conversation involved questioning whether female assistant referee Sian Massey understood the offside rule. Keys resigned soon after, and further footage emerged including Keys' 'Did you smash it?' remark about Jamie Redknapp's love life.
Gray and Keys left the UK in 2013 to front beIN Sports' Premier League coverage from Qatar. They returned to Britain earlier this year amid conflict in the Middle East and have been producing their own podcast. Gray made only one brief UK appearance since his dismissal, commentating on the FA Cup for BT Sport in 2014.
Reflecting on the 2011 incident, Gray stated he cannot imagine saying today what he said then. "I think we were two of the first people ever cancelled," Gray said. "I had 20 reporters outside my house for weeks." The talkSPORT hiring represents a significant rehabilitation for the broadcaster, whose iconic 'Oh you beauty! What a hit, son! What a hit' commentary line was recorded at Anfield in 2004.
Gray's return coincides with Liverpool sitting fifth in the Premier League with five points from three games. Their recent form reads WDD, having scored six goals while conceding four for a +2 goal difference. Jurgen Klopp's side trails leaders Manchester City by just one point in the early title race.
The club's next domestic fixture is against Fulham at Anfield on September 12th. Fulham currently occupies 16th position in the table. Fans can track Liverpool's progress throughout the campaign on our standings page.
The radio station described Gray's hiring as 'not only a cameo appearance.' They have enlisted him to commentate on their UEFA Champions League coverage this season. Gray previously expressed a desire to return to commentary work, telling an interviewer, "I'd like to think, somewhere, I could do a bit of commentary. Not television, maybe, but radio."
His partnership with Proudfoot begins with a high-profile European night at Anfield. Liverpool will be looking to build momentum ahead of their Fulham match, details of which are available on our fixtures schedule. The Reds' squad depth and current injury situation can be monitored via our squad page.
Gray's commentary return represents a notable moment in UK sports broadcasting. His first assignment back involves one of England's biggest clubs during a competitive phase of their season. Liverpool continues their Premier League campaign on September 12th against Fulham at Anfield.
