Australia: Football commentator labels player a ‘big poofter’
An Australian football commentator has been condemned for labelling a player a “big poofter”.
Channel Seven’s AFL commentator Brian Taylor made the remark during the run-up to a Sydney v Carlton game, when footage was played of Geelong player Harry Taylor celebrating his 150th match.
Interrupting the pre-match presenters, he said: “I don’t know whether you guys down there can hear me or not… I am up here getting ready for the game and I’ve just seen that crap from Harry — he’s a big poofter.
“You can’t be doing the old royal wave, Harry, next thing you’ll have your mum and dad out there.”
After a frosty reaction from fans, he retracted his comments during half-time, saying: “In the pre-game show I said something that I regret, and I sincerely apologise in regard to Harry Taylor and anyone, and particularly Harry and any of his friends, that were offended by my remark.
“I apologise for that and I sincerely regret any harm that I have caused.”
Earlier this year, representatives from the Australian Football League, as well as Australia Rugby Union, National Rugby League, Football Federation of Australia and Cricket Australia, committed to a strict new charter, designed to stamp out homophobia across all sports in the country.
Listen to the clip below:
