Culture

AFL Commentator Barry Hall Has Been Sacked For A “Disgusting” Sexist Remark

The former Sydney Swans player has been slammed for the comment he made on Melbourne radio.

by Tom Clift  30 June 2018
Barry Hall

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Ex-AFL player Barry Hall has been sacked by Melbourne radio station Triple M, after making an offensive remark about another commentator’s wife that has sparked widespread outrage.

The former Sydney premiership player was speaking with co-commentators Leigh Montagna, Mark Howard, Nathan Brown and Damien Barrett ahead of Friday night’s match between Geelong and the Western Bulldogs. Hall’s comment, which Junkee has chosen not to publish, related to Montagna’s wife Erin, who is due to give birth to the couple’s first child next week. The remark was greeted with laughter from at least two other members of the commentary team.

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Hall, who was filling in for regular commentator Chris Judd, was set to be part of the coverage of the game itself, but was absent from the broadcast following the 7pm news break.

Within hours, Triple M confirmed that Hall’s employment had been terminated.

“Tonight on Triple M Football there were unacceptable and inappropriate comments made by a member of the commentary team,” said Triple M Head of Content Mike Fitzpatrick. “The commentator was removed immediately from the broadcast and an apology was issued on air afterwards. Immediate action was taken with the termination of employment for one team member.”

Football fans took to social media en masse following the incident to condemn Hall’s remarks and applaud Triple M’s decision to give him the flick.

Others pointed out that Hall was just one of many men working in football media who have less than stellar records when it comes to women.