Add Category
Updated
Richmond's Josh Caddy has apologised to Hawthorn's James Frawley and Daniel Howe, after being heard using the word "spastic" during last Thursday night's opening AFL final against the Hawks.
Caddy used the insensitive term in reference to Frawley and Howe in what was a spiteful encounter at the MCG, which the Tigers won by 31 points.
Audio from an umpire's microphone, which was broadcast live on national TV, captured Caddy verbally abusing Howe, who he accused of staging for a free kick during the second quarter.
He also abused Frawley the following quarter.
Caddy said sorry to both Frawley and Howe via social media on Tuesday, expressing regret for his behaviour.
"I apologise to both James and Daniel for the remark I made and am deeply remorseful to have offended people in the community," he wrote on Instagram.
"The insensitive comments were made in the heat of the moment but that is no excuse and I accept that the language over-stepped the mark, was a terrible look, and is totally unacceptable.
"For that, I am truly sorry."
Caddy, who accepted fines totalling $3,000 for twice engaging in rough conduct against Howe in the second quarter, came under fire on social media during and after the match, with Twitter users disgusted by his comments.
Last year GWS defender Heath Shaw apologised after an umpire's microphone caught him referring to Sydney opponent Tom Papley as a "f***ing retard".
The comment was broadcast to a national audience.
Shaw acknowledged the insensitivity of his comments, but later said sledging was "part of the game" and it would be impossible to stamp out.
"You can't control the heat of the moment for players," Shaw said.
"During the game you are making a hundred decisions … and sometimes a slip of the tongue or a comment comes out.
"It is a tough game, and if you think it is going to get you an advantage then why not do it? But you obviously can't take it too far."
Topics: sport, australian-football-league, richmond-2753
First posted