Sep 22nd, 2017

Sep 22nd, 2017

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has responded to the criticism from Footy Show host Sam Newman over the league's support of marriage equality.

Newman delivered a stinging rant aimed at the AFL over their backing of the 'Yes' campaign for the postal plebiscite to legalise same-sex marriage.

“Who in the hell are these people at the AFL who are telling the football public what they should do in their lives and who they should vote for in any political agenda? Who gives you the right to put on the football and tell people what to do?" Newman said on The AFL Footy Show.

“You are nothing more than obsequious, fawning, sycophantic political whores. You have no right to get involved in political messages, let people go to the football and do what they want to do and watch the game.”

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On Melbourne radio on Friday morning, McLachlan defended the AFL's actions.

"That's Sam. He will represent a number of views, I'm sure about that. I don't think they're the majority. I understand and respect everyone's views," McLachlan said on 3AW.

"I don't believe we are grandstanding, I don't believe we are 'political whores'. I believe that on this issue, that we believe is discriminatory, we feel strongly that we as an organisation want to say what we think."

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McGuire fires back at Newman

McLachlan said the league is "looked to for leadership" and has an obligation to strive for equality for their employees, many of whom are part of the LGBTIQ community.

"I'm not telling anyone how to vote, but what we're saying is this is what the AFL stands for. I say it on behalf of a playing group of which a large percentage are gay. A lot of AFLW players are gay, my staff and a lot of our community and supporters of which this means a lot," McLachlan said.

"A core value for us, it is key to who we are and what we've been for a long time and what our hiring policies are and what we say about our brand, is that we are against discrimination and we are for everyone.

"The fact that some of my employees are not able to get married and others are, I think is discriminatory. Everyone will have a different view on that, but we're entitled to represent what we stand for on behalf of our staff, our players and our community."