Tributes and Controversies Surrounding the Passing of Terry Yorath

The football community has come together to honor Terry Yorath this week following his passing due to a brief illness.

Yorath, a former midfielder, made his mark by scoring 11 goals in 199 appearances for Leeds United, where he contributed to the team’s First Division title victory in 1974 during a nine-year tenure starting in 1967. He also represented Wales 59 times, including 42 as captain, and played for clubs such as Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bradford City during his esteemed career. Following his death, his children, Gabby, Louise, and Jordan, fondly remembered him as a “footballing hero.”

In their statement, they expressed: “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, who passed away at the age of 15.”

Amid the tributes, a controversy emerged regarding comments made by former Sky Sports host Richard Keys. In a recent social media post, he appeared to take a subtle jab at BBC presenter Laura Logan while expressing his condolences for Yorath’s passing. He remarked, “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’s response came from an outraged Woods, who criticized Keys for his comments but also paid her respects to Logan’s family. Woods stated, “Sorry…but what a t***. Said with zero surprise,” and added, “Also want to add my respects to the thousands of others who are showing their compassion to a much-loved broadcaster and her family. Sending all my love.”

The tension between Keys and Logan traces back to 2022 when Keys threatened to pursue libel action against her following remarks she made in her memoir, ‘The First Half’. She recounted an uncomfortable experience with Keys and Andy Gray during a flight to the Champions League Final in 2005, detailing their derogatory comments about pregnant women, which she found particularly cruel given their own family situations.

In response to her memoir, Keys tweeted that Logan’s claims contained “wildly inaccurate allegations” and indicated that he had sought legal counsel regarding potential libel action.

Former BBC Sport presenter Dan Walker also urged Keys to reconsider his tribute to Yorath, stating, “Richard, just imagine what it would be like for Gabby, or a member of her family, to read this. I hope you have just worded this badly and it isn’t a dig at a really difficult time. There is still time to change it.”