However, he believes Sky Sports pundit Andy Gray, who was sacked earlier this week in the wake of comments he made about assistant referee Sian Massey, and presenter Richard Keys, who resigned amid the furore which followed, have been harshly treated.

Ricketts told Paddypower.com's weekly sports podcast, The Padcast: "I don't agree with what they have said or done, but what they said happens all the time [in football].

"People say that all the time. I don't understand why they sacked him [Gray]. What are you going to do? Sack everybody?

"Everybody would have to go, so what they did to these guys is terrible.

"What these guys bring to Sky Sports, and TV... what Andy Gray brings is immense. He didn't say it on air. He wasn't publicly slating this woman - he wouldn't do that. He knew that was wrong.

"He said something off air - it's his own opinion, and obviously you can't say that in a position of that magnitude. You can't give that opinion on Sky TV.

"He's been stitched up, and they have sacked him. It's bonkers. They should be coming out and speaking out on the situation and using it as an example, rather than sacking him."

Ricketts believes female officials should get their chance at the highest level, although he acknowledges that may not be a popular view.

The 28-year-old said: "If they are reffing a game, they obviously know the rules - probably better than all of us.

"But most players, they probably don't agree with having female refs. They all have a pop and crack a joke about having them - for sure they do that.

"People have to realise that's what happens in the real world.

"I'm not saying it's right - and if women can ref a Premier League game, become a lineswoman, fair play to them, give them a job because we have seen the males aren't doing much better.

"It's not like they are hands down the best because we have been complaining for years about referees and linesmen. No-one is perfect.

"Get the women in, balance it up, no problem. But to sack the guy - that's nonsense."