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MELISSA REDDY IS ONE OF SEVEN AXED SKY SPORTS EMPLOYEES AND HAS OPENED UP ON "HATE" SHE RECEIVED WHILE DOING HER JOB, STATING "YOU CAN'T DIM THE LIGHT OF SOMEONE WHO

LEARNED HOW TO SHINE IN THE DARK" 11:15, 29 May 2025Updated 11:16, 29 May 2025 Melissa Reddy has opened up on the discrimination and abuse she has faced in her career after being axed

by Sky Sports. Reddy joined the team as a senior reporter three years prior. During her stint at the broadcasting giant, the South African journalist reported on some of the most significant

stories in the Premier League, with a focus on Manchester United and Liverpool. However, it was announced on Wednesday she would be parting ways with the company, alongside six other

colleagues. Veteran presenter Rob Wotton is also leaving after 27 years, in the wake of The Football Show's cancellation, which he hosted. Reddy has now revealed her next professional

move, reports the Mirror. In an extensive Instagram post, she stated: "ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll

still be doing bits and bobs for them. "But I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and

passions. For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years, YES - that will include new books." Reddy candidly shared her experiences with discrimination throughout her career as

a sports reporter. Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for the support she's received. "After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a

journalist turned to the press officer and said 'why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick, don't you?!'" Reddy recounted.

"I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas... the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. I will always be stronger than

the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work. "You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark. The messages I've received from managers,

players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues - people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade - carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let's

cook." As Reddy bids farewell, several former colleagues have sent their best wishes. Formula 1 presenter Natalie Pike remarked: "Thank you for always shining a light for the women

in our industry." Commentator Pien Meulensteen offered: "Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next." And presenter Reshmin Chowdhury encouraged: "Keep

shining, my lovely! Can't wait to see what's cooking." Presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are also set to leave the channel this summer after dedicating 18 and 11 years

to Sky, respectively. Jeremy Langdon, a long-standing reporter, will conclude his 20-year tenure with Sky Sports News. Article continues below Senior reporter Fadumo Okow and a news editor

are also exiting their positions.