Carlton has launched an investigation into the independent Jumper Punch podcast after one of its hosts said they would “punch the f— out of the Besties,” referencing a rival, female-led AFL podcast.
After the male Jumper Punch host issued an apology on Thursday morning, it was revealed Carlton was investigating whether the podcasters are members of the club, according to News Corp.
The violent comment came about on the social media channel amid an idea to propose a charity boxing match for Blues content creators.
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“Name one creator out there that I wouldn’t beat up,” Rocco Stagnitti said in the episode published to YouTube.
“But anyone else…I’d punch the f— out of the Besties.”
The Besties podcasters republished the clip with a message of their own on Thursday.
The Jumper Punch podcast are under fire for their comments. The Jumper Punch
“For those who aren’t already aware, Carlton Respects is Carlton’s flagship community initiative which helps the promotion of gender equality for the prevention of violence against women,” co-host Tori Saros said.
“And for the next two weeks and beyond, as we have for the past three years, we will continue to use our platform to highlight this and work alongside Carlton to do our part.
“This isn’t the first time and I’m sure it’s not gonna be the last but this page in particular keeps using us in their content in a negative way for whatever reason but this is where we draw the line.
“We don’t mind if you don’t like us, we don’t mind if you don’t like our content, we understand it isn’t for everyone – I think it’s one thing that it’s not even opposition supporters, these fellow Carlton fans talking about us like this.
“I can’t believe I have to say it, but if you have nothing nice to say, learn to say nothing at all.”
Following the uproar, Stagnitti posted an apology on the podcast’s Instagram page, claiming the remarks were “not meant to be malicious.
“I did not make this comment with any intention of wanting to really punch anyone,” he said.
“We were simply talking about a charity boxing night which we have spoken about on numerous shows, and we were simply talking about who we could beat and who we couldn’t.
“Although my intentions were not malicious, I completely acknowledge that what I said promoted the wrong message and made many feel uncomfortable.
“This is a position I would never want to put anyone in, but more importantly women. For that, I am sorry and I apologise to everyone that was affected by my comments.”
Wide World of Sports has reached out to Carlton for an official statement.
The Jumper Punch podcast has no direct affiliation to Carlton.
Popular AFL journalist Marnie Vinall’s comment on the call out from Carlton Besties. Instagram
The timing of the comments is particularly damaging for the club as next week the Blues are set to celebrate the 10th iteration of Carlton Respects – a dedicated AFL round focused on promoting gender equality and ending violence against women in Australia.
“There you go, Respects Round mate right there, Respects Round mate,” one of the podcast guests mocked in relation to this round during the podcast episode.
The Blues will face Geelong in Respects Round next week.