Broadcaster banned from Chorley Football Club for 'sexist' comments

Ian Livesey, who provides a football commentary service called MagpiesLive, is reported to have shouted at the woman, telling her to go home and do the ironing during Chorley’s game against Boston United.

He has since been banned from the club and his coverage, broadcast on Chorley FM, has been stopped.

A source said: “Apparently there was a woman referee a few weeks back and this individual shouted something along the lines of ‘You should be at home doing the ironing, love’

“A female supporter heard the remark and complained and the ban resulted.”

Mr Livesey did not respond to the Guardian’s request for a comment but a statement issued on the MagpiesLive Twitter feed states: “In light of recent happenings in correspondance from the football club to myself personally, I have 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.”

Mr Livesey’s commentary was regularly used on Chorley FM, which suspended him on hearing of the allegations.

Donna Beckett, managing director and company secretary at 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 Football Club had imposed a club ban prohibiting Ian from attending Chorley FC games.

“We were not provided with any details regarding the comments made.

“Chorley FM immediately informed Ian that, in the circumstances, all future MagpiesLive 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 MagpiesLive service and to thereby effectively terminate his involvement with Chorley FM.”

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

Chief executive at Chorley FC, Dave Riche 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 Football Association policy of which we as a club are governed.”