7 days ago
Sky Sports presenter hits out at racism, sexism and ‘hate' following exit
Melissa Reddy, the outgoing Sky Sports News reporter, has hit out at racism in the industry, saying 'abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases'.
Reddy was one of seven journalists and presenters confirmed to be heading for the exit as the Premier League's biggest rights-holder reboots its news channel.
In an Instagram statement confirming 'I've called time on three years at Sky', the former Independent football reporter suggested she had faced some recent abuse. 'The messages I've received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues – people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade – carry more weight than any of the nasty noise,' Reddy explained.
Gary Neville, the Sky Sports pundit, and Darren Lewis, president of the Sports Journalists' Association, were among well-wishers responding to her post. 'All the best to you Melissa and great working with you,' Neville posted.
Reddy, who has spent 11 years covering Premier League football, hinted that she is planning to write books among other projects. She spoke out, however, about hurdles she has faced during her time in the profession.
'After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said, 'Why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs,' she wrote. 'You just want a little lick don't you?!' I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas… the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work. You can't dim the light of someone who learnt how to shine in the dark.'
