Football commentator told ref ‘she should be home ironing’

A LOCAL radio DJ was suspended after he told a female referee she should be “at home doing the ironing” while commentating on a match.

Ian Livesey, 36, was accused of sexism after reportedly shouting the comments at Rebecca Welch, who was refereeing the game. The disparaging off-air comment is believed to have been overheard by a female fan who reported Mr Livesey to club officials.

The incident allegedly happened during a home match for Chorley FC against Boston United on March 24.

Chorley fans criticised Ms Welch’s decision to send off one of their players in the final minutes of the game.

Mr Livesey has since been banned from attending games by the team while it investigates the complaint.

He has also closed down his regular football commentary called Magpieslive, which was broadcast on the radio station on match days. The radio station, created by volunteers in 2001, has regularly been referred to in Phoenix Nights, Peter Kay’s hit comedy TV series. One of his famous catchphrases is: “Chorley FM – coming in your ears.”

The station yesterday confirmed it has suspended Mr Livesey pending a full investigation.

In a statement issued on the Magpieslive Twitter feed, Mr Livesey said: “In light of recent happenings in correspondence from the football club to myself personally, I have to take the hard decision to close Magpieslive down from this date forward.

“I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and donations to keep the service running, none more so than the Chorley FC supporters in the past couple of years.”

Donna Beckett of 102.8 Chorley FM, said: “On April 2 Ian contacted Chorley FM to advise that, in respect of off-air comments made to a female referee, Chorley FC had imposed a club ban prohibiting Ian from attending Chorley games. We were not provided with any details regarding the comments made.

“Chorley FM immediately informed Ian that, in the circumstances, all future Magpies Live broadcasts would be suspended pending a full investigation into the matter. Before that investigation could commence, Ian informed us that he had decided to discontinue the Magpies Live service and to thereby effectively terminate his involvement with Chorley FM.

“Chorley FM enjoys a mutually supportive relationship with Chorley FC and we will continue to work together for the benefit of the local community.”

Dave Riche, the chief executive at Chorley FC, said: “This is a regrettable incident for all parties concerned.

“The club has ground regulations in place which need to be followed. These adhere to FA policy of which we as a club are governed.”

Asked about the incident, Ms Welch said yesterday: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”