The St Kilda Football Club have released an official statement condemning a transphobic conversation broadcast on Channel 9’s The Footy Show this week.
Speaking about Caitlyn Jenner, host Sam Newman referred to the Olympic medalist and reality star as “it”.
“What is she, is it he or she now?” Newman asked, “It it transgender is it, or what is it?”
The former Geelong player was slammed on social media, with some calling for the program’s cancellation.
St Kilda Football Club joined those expressing their disappointment with Newman and Channel 9 online.
“Comedy at the expense of transgender people is no joke,” club CEO Matt Finnis said in a statement released on social media.
“Ive spoke to a number of people this morning that were hurt by these remarks.”
Finnis said calling out behaviour that demeans others is necessary to ensure the AFL is contributing to “stamping out issues such as homophobia and transphobia.”
“We, like the Footy Show, are part of a broader football industry that has enormous reach and power to influence societal change.”
“Just as we were rightly called out for on-field comments earlier in the year that were unacceptable, it’s important we are prepared to stand up for the values of our Club and our stakeholders.”
The St Kilda Saints will celebrate diversity on the field next month when they take on the Sydney Swans in the AFL’s second Pride Match.
OIP Staff
Image:- Facebook
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