Richard Keys suspends broadcast amid military strikes on Iran
Richard Keys did not broadcast on beIN Sports this Saturday after the Foreign Office urged British citizens across the Gulf to seek immediate shelter amid US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, reports BritPanorama.
The 68-year-old presenter, based in Qatar for the past 13 years, had to abandon his programme as the security situation in the Middle East worsened dramatically.
The government alert specifically directed British nationals in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates to stay indoors in secure places, avoid all travel, and adhere to guidance from local authorities in response to reported missile attacks.
Taking to X, Keys expressed his sentiments regarding the military action, stating: “Thank you all for your messages. It was a bit lively earlier. I don’t have space to express my feelings about that idiot Trump. No show today.”
He confirmed that viewers would instead be handled by beIN’s London-based team, adding, “You’ll be in the capable hands of our colleagues in London. Thoughts & prayers for everyone in our region. Ramadan Kareem.”
The veteran broadcaster’s comments emerged as the network’s Qatar headquarters experienced heightened regional instability following the joint US-Israeli operation. President Trump announced that “major combat operations” were underway, with a declared objective of regime change in Tehran.
In a video address, the US President urged Iranian citizens to overthrow their clerical leadership, stating, “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
Trump promised immunity to Iranian military personnel who surrendered, while warning of “certain death” for those who resisted. In retaliation, Iran reportedly launched strikes of its own, with explosions documented across the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Keys and his colleague Andy Gray, both former presenters with Sky Sports, have made Doha their home since 2013, after relocating to the Gulf two years post a sexism scandal. They have been covering Premier League and Champions League matches for beIN across a wide region, including during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Keys has been informed that his contract will not be extended past the current football season, with his final broadcasts set for May. A spokesman affirmed that the decision was mutual, with reports suggesting both presenters might withdraw from live football coverage entirely upon their return to Britain.
This ongoing unrest underscores how international developments can abruptly intersect with personal and professional lives, highlighting the precarious circumstances of those at the centre of such events.
