Darcy said: "One of the great promos ever was the hand coming out of the Eureka tower. What a great promo that is for King Kong." Sydney Swan Adam Goodes addresses the media after being called an 'ape' by a young Collingwood fan during the Indigenous Round. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui McGuire interjected: "Get Adam Goodes down for it, you reckon?" "No, I wouldn't have thought so," was the response from Darcy. McGuire went on, stumbling over his words: "You can see them doing that, can't you? Goodesy. You know, the big, not the ape thing, the whole thing... I'm just saying pumping him up and mucking around and that sort of stuff."

Soon after, the usually polished media performer tried to explain his comment. King Kong gaffe: Eddie McGuire. "Just to clear up, when we were talking about King Kong there and I was mumbling my way through about Goodesy...’’ McGuire said. "I was trying to say 'Imagine the old days of trying to get people in for publicity' and I've mumbled my way through that, so anyone who thought that I was having a go or being a smart alec, I take that back." The giant one-tonne gorilla puppet starring in King Kong the musical was unveiled to much fanfare in Melbourne last week. Credit:Eddie Jim

However, Darcy expressed the confusion of most listeners. "Yeah, not sure where you were going there," he said. You can see them doing that, can't you? Goodesy. You know, the big, not the ape thing, the whole thing... McGuire agreed. "Nah, neither did I... I was that exhausted this morning, so apologies for that," McGuire said.

"But I was thinking you know in the old days in these situations the publicity and that type of thing. I was off on a tangent somewhere. "Just in case people are thinking 'What the hell's he on about?'. I have no idea either!" On Twitter this morning, Goodes responded with a curt: "Morning Australia this is what I have woken up to", and included a link to the story. Southern Cross Austereo, owners of Triple M, released a statement in support of McGuire ahead of a press conference at their headquarters at 2.30. "We acknowledge that a comment made by Eddie McGuire on Triple M’s Hot Breakfast show this morning may have been interpreted by some listeners as being racist," the statement reads.

"Eddie immediately clarified the meaning of his comment which was not intended to be racist in any way, and apologised to any listeners who were offended." Speaking after the broadcast McGuire said: “My comment was meant to be an ironic reference to the sort of techniques once used by some public relations consultants to publicise new shows. As I said on air at the first opportunity after I made the comment, I unfortunately mumbled my words and said something I didn’t intend. I unreservedly apologise. I have contacted the Sydney Swans to explain the situation to Adam Goodes personally. Adam was gracious enough to take my call and expressed his disappointment 'particularly given what we’ve been through together last weekend. "I agreed entirely with him and I’m devastated that I am responsible for bringing this issue back into the public arena. Adam accepted my apology and acknowledged my strong commitment and record in tackling racial vilification not just on the football field but in the wider community. "I sincerely apologise for the hurt caused.” Loading

Triple M also sincerely apologised to any listeners who were offended in its statement, then finished by stating: "Eddie McGuire has an exemplary record on indigenous issues and Triple M completely accepts his explanation." Swans coach John Longmire said he was "staggered" by McGuire's comments. AFL indigenous framework