Progress by women in football should be a cause for celebration by those who love the game

Originally posted @ 11:50 am, Tue 25th Jan 2011

A great shame for the sport of football that just as a 25 year old woman has reached the high level of officiating at a Premiership match, demonstrating the new opportunities for women in the sport, Andy Gray and Richard Keys pile in with their remarks about women not being able to understand offside rule.

Now the story is the sexism embedded in football, when it should have been how the FA have been working to do given women more chance and more recognition.

Particularly sad for Andy Gray given the outburst was prompted by a decision she got right. I haven't been a fan of Robbie Savage on the pitch, but the appearances on the radio and articles in the Mirror have been good and today's response was good to -

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/mirror-football-blog/Robbie-Savage-comment-on-Richard-Keys-and-Andy-Gray-When-Sian-Massey-does-make-a-mistake-it-won-t-be-because-she-s-a-woman-it-will-be-because-she-s-human-article681253.html

I've been involved in Nottingham seeking the Women's FA Cup Final and boosting attendances; and I often speak to the manager of Nottingham Forest Ladies, who works for the council (second in their league and in a cup semi-final). There is a proper understanding of the levels reached and a knowing confidence of the progress that has been made.

All the progress should be a cause of celebration for those who love the game.