Laura Woods Slams Richard Keys Over 'Tribute' to Gabby Logan's Father
Laura Woods has called out former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys following his tribute to Terry Yorath, which featured an apparent dig at Yorath's daughter Gabby Logan.
It was announced on Thursday that former Wales and Leeds midfielder Yorath has died at the age of 75 following a short illness.
Yorath, who helped Leeds United win the First Division title in 1974 before spells with Coventry, Tottenham and Bradford, also made 59 appearances for Wales and managed his country from 1988 until 1993.
As well as his daughter Gabby Logan, who rushed to his side on Wednesday night after leaving Match Of The Day mid-broadcast, Yorath had three other children: Daniel, Louise and Jordan.
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A family statement read: “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”
Tributes have poured in for Yorath, with former Sky Sports reporter Richard Keys posting a message of his own on X, formerly Twitter.
He 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."
Logan and Keys have clashed in recent years, with the latter vowing to take legal action against the presenter in 2022 following a series of claims in her memoirs.
Many have criticised Keys for his tribute on social media, including former Football Focus host Dan Walker.
"Richard, just imagine what it would be like for Gabby, or a member of her family, to read this," wrote Walker. "I’m hoping you have just worded this badly and it isn’t a dig at a really difficult time. There is still time to change it."
Laura Woods, who has become a leading sports presenter for the likes of ITV and TNT Sports, was also critical of Keys' words before sending a tribute of her own. Responding to his post, she said: "Sorry…but what a tw*t. Said with zero surprise."
Woods added: "Also want to add my respects to the thousands of others who are showing theirs compassionately to a much beloved broadcaster and her family. Sending all my love x".
Following the considerable backlash, Keys issued another statement.
"What a shame my words for a footballing hero of mine were entirely misinterpreted," he said. "Terry Yorath was a fabulous guy. A warrior. My affection for him meant I was more than happy to help him & his family in any way I could. Gabby’s career would make any father proud. RIP Terry."
Keys made the following comments about Logan in a December 2024 post, after she was named one of the three co-hosts of Match of the Day alongside Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates.
"Gabby Logan is someone else I opened the door for," he said, as per The Mirror. "I did that because her dad had played for Coventry and I was a big fan! She's good - but a handful."
He added: "Sadly she p****d everybody off at Sky with her demanding attitude and my gaffer then - Vic Wakeling - let her go after two years. I'm told by people that work with her now nothing has changed. Oh well - one day maybe."
Topics: Laura Woods, Football
Jack Kenmare