Soccer:Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has telephoned assistant referee Sian Massey to apologise for his off-air remarks about her at the weekend.

Microphones picked up comments made by Keys and co-presenter Andy Gray in what they thought was an off-air conversation before the Wolves versus Liverpool match on Saturday, in which they appeared to agree that female officials “don’t know the offside rule”, with Keys adding: “I can guarantee you there’ll be a big one today. (Liverpool manager) Kenny (Dalglish) will go potty.”

The pair have been reprimanded by Sky Sports for their comments about Massey and West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady and were not involved in Sky’s coverage of tonight’s Bolton v Chelsea match as a result.

The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) confirmed that Keys had telephoned Massey today. She accepted the apology and is now keen to move on from the matter, and will be an assistant at the League Two match between Crewe and Bradford tomorrow night.

The PGMO insist that Massey holds her position on merit and is keen to act as a positive role model for women’s refereeing.