I WRITE in response to H G Smith’s letter about racism and sexism in the Gray/Keys saga.

I totally agree that it’s become ludicrous that off the cuff comments in today’s society seem to have enormous repercussions - in this case, they weren’t even broadcast. It’s even more ridiculous than the notion that the lineswomn in question has joined the apparent female bandwagon of ‘gatecrashing all male domains’ - many of my female friends and family are avid fans and players, and post Facebook updates all day long on match days. I’m not a fan but even I know the offside rule. The lineswoman would not have been appointed were she not competent, and given the amount of abuse all football officials have to endure; male and female, I take my hat off to anyone prepared to put up with it. I would however like to point out the incorrect assumption that the lineswoman ‘couldn’t stand the heat’ - she didn’t complain and in fact it was Sky that took the decision to sack Gray and Keys. I think it’s these corporations who in fact should just ‘get on with life’ and leave off the silly excuses of racism/sexism to sack someone every time they make a (albeit inappropriate but harmless) joke.

MANDY DONALD

South Marston