Sam Newman Sparks Calls For ‘Footy Show’ Boycott W/ Fkd Transphobic Display

On last night’s post-Origin II show, the retired player-turned-presenter made comments about transgender celebrity Caitlyn Jenner during a segment which mocked up game day banners for the St Kilda Football Club, one which portrayed Jenner as Newman’s lookalike.

Co-host, Billy Brownless, asked Newman if he knew who Caitlyn is, to which Newman replied “I know who he…it is. I do.”

Newman followed up by saying “Oh well what is she? Is it a ‘he’ or a ‘she’? Still got the bloody…” before being cut off by Rebecca Maddern, who pointed out that Caitlyn is a woman.

Absolutely seething @AFLFootyShow @Channel9 Get these vile bullies off our screen! They are never held accountable. I will NOT let this sit pic.twitter.com/gOtCvcPMTD

— Angie Greene (@Ange_Greene) June 21, 2017

The comments from Newman have been labelled as exclusionary and dehumanising to the transgender community, and people have called for clubs and players to boycott appearing on the show until an apology is issued, or Newman is removed from the panel.

@AFLFootyShow cannot believe the disgusting, transphobic comments out of Sam Newman’s mouth last night. And involving my own @stkildafc

— Ric Freeman (@ric_freeman) June 22, 2017

Let’s make it clear. If you are not a straight cis white dude Sam Newman hates you and @AFLFootyShow gives him a platform.

— freya ?? (@freyalogann) June 22, 2017

#9AFLFootyShow @AFLFootyShow Sam Newman, we want you to apologise. This is not acceptable. NO ONE deserves to be discriminated against!

— Georgie Stone (@georgiestone16) June 22, 2017

It’s 2017 and transphobia is passed as ‘comedy’. @AFLFootyShow must go. @Channel9

— Magpies Cheersquad (@PiesCheerSquad) June 21, 2017

Trans people are not “its” they are human beings. There is no excuse for such disgusting attitudes on our televisions @AFLFootyShow. https://t.co/S747qB6eN7

— The Purple Bombers (@Purple_Bombers) June 21, 2017

Any @AFLPlayers that appeared in this fantastic campaign https://t.co/Zg8tDNZf8H should never step foot on the @AFLFootyShow stage again

— Alex Reynolds (@Alex_Rey) June 21, 2017

Newman’s comments are a massive step backwards for a code that recently nabbed awards for LGBTQI inclusivity and acceptance, coterie groups for LGBTQI supporters and players, and the introduction of the annual Pride Round.

Just about bloody time for a creative disposal of old mate, tbh.