CHANNEL Nine commentator and Panthers General Manager Phil Gould has caused a social media storm after taking a dig at female fans.

Gould made the comments during a telecast of the Anzac Day clash thriller between the Roosters and the Dragons at Allianz Stadium.

At around the 35th minute mark of the game, Nine’s coverage panned to two women deep in conversation and laughing while a group of men around them were shielding their eyes from the sun trying to watch the match.

Reacting to the vision of the women not paying attention to the on-field action, Gould suggested that they had no interest in rugby league.

“The girls aren’t watching the footy, they don’t care. They’re talking about other things,” he said during the Channel 9 commentary.

GOLDEN POINT: Roosters claim Anzac Day thriller

Women don't care about the footy, Gus? RT if you are a woman who loves her footy. — LadiesWhoLeague (@LadiesWhoLeague) April 25, 2017

The comments hit a chord with league supporters on social media almost instantly and in particular with female fans of the game.

Popular Twitter account, Ladies Who League, who aim to give women in rugby league a voice, was quick to criticise the Panthers supremo.

“Women don’t care about the footy, Gus? RT if you are a woman who loves her footy.” – To which users responded with almost 160 retweets by 9pm on Tuesday night.

It is understood the NRL is disappointed with Gould’s comment during the Channel Nine coverage.

@LadiesWhoLeague and without even realising it Gus has exposed the blokey footy culture that undermines and disrespects women #nrl — Sports hound (@sports_hound) April 25, 2017

@LadiesWhoLeague @Nath_Ryan I wonder how Penrith's female fanbase feels about these comments... — Steven Russo (@russos1991) April 25, 2017

A spokesman for the NRL said women make up the fastest growing sector of the Rugby League community.

“More women are watching, more women are playing and you only have to go to a game to seem women and girls are becoming our most fanatical fans,” the spokesman said.

“They love the game – and we are doing all we can to convert even more women into Rugby League supporters.”

Channel Nine last night declined to comment on Gould’s comments or respond to the social media reaction.

Other fans were also quick to express their disapproval and disappointment with the influential figure’s comments.

@LadiesWhoLeague @Nath_Ryan Women aren't watching YOU, Gus. Because you are part of the culture that alienates women from a sport they love. — Lee Constable (@Constababble) April 25, 2017

“I wonder how Penrith’s female fanbase feels about these comments...,” tweeted Steven.

Some fans noted that Gould’s remarks were symptomatic a ‘blokey culture’ in rugby league that excludes women.

A culture the NRL has actively tried to break down to encourage more women to engage and participate in the game.

“…And without even realising it Gus has exposed the blokey footy culture that undermines and disrespects women,” tweeted Sports Hound.

“Women aren’t watching YOU, Gus. Because you are part of the culture that alienates women from a sport they love”, tweeted Lee.

MORE REACTION FROM SOCIAL MEDIA:

@LadiesWhoLeague I heard that comment and nearly choked on my wine!! — Jill Scanlon (@jdscanlon) April 25, 2017

@LadiesWhoLeague I'm a full season member of the Tigers, go to all games, other clubs games & watch most on TV. I have more jerseys then dresses! 💪🏼🐯💪🏼 — Lauren (@laurenN_01) April 25, 2017