- The incident occurred during Carlton’s big win.
- Saw Geelong veteran in trouble for dangerous tackle
- Petition launched accusing commentator of continuity
Hundreds of football fans have signed a petition calling for Channel 7 to remove veteran AFL commentator Brian ‘BT’ Taylor after a call they described as biased on Friday night.
Taylor was part of the commentary panel for the clash between Carlton and Geelong when the moment occurred, and football fans were shocked by his defense of Patrick Dangerfield, who gave away a free kick for a dangerous tackle on Sam Walsh.
“Wow, it almost looked like Paddy was trying to hold him up and Sam was trying to make contact with the ground,” he said on Channel 7 as the replays progressed.
“However, I agree with the decision, it was a dangerous tackle.”
That has resulted in football fan Kent Hodder launching a petition for Taylor to be removed from the comments because he claims AFL fans have grown tired of his perceived bias.
The backlash against AFL commentator Brian Taylor came after his comments on this tackle by Patrick Dangerfield on Sam Walsh.
Hundreds of signatures have been collected asking Channel 7 to stop the veteran commentator.
‘My love of watching football has always been intertwined with the excitement of a good match and interesting commentary. Unfortunately, the latter has been constantly overshadowed by the presence of Brian Taylor,” the petition reads.
‘Their biased views, lack of understanding of the rules, and general incompetence have marred the enjoyment of countless games.
‘Their inability to fully understand and explain the rules causes confusion and calls into question their credibility.
“The role of a commentator is vital in providing accurate, unbiased and insightful opinions to enhance the game viewing experience and, unfortunately, Brian Taylor is not living up to this expectation.”
Taylor has been criticized for comments made on air numerous times in the past.
He was suspended in 2014 for using a homophobic slur against then Geelong player Harry Taylor.
Taylor was being presided over from the field last weekend after his 150th game when popular player Cat gave an unusual salute to the crowd.
While watching the vision on Channel 7’s Saturday Night Footy panel, Taylor called him “a big bastard”.
Taylor was a fierce part of the Collingwood Magpies in his playing days and wears his heart on his sleeve.
In 2023, the commentator was doing his ‘Roaming Brian’ section when he didn’t recognize Australian cricketer Matthew Wade and asked the Collingwood star if he was his brother.
Taylor faced criticism earlier in the season for his favorable comment towards Essendon player Jake Kelly during the Anzac Day clash.
He also received criticism from fans for his biased comments during Collingwood’s victory over Melbourne in last season’s final.
However, his comments about Walsh were also supported by Hawks champion and football commentator Luke Hodge.
“I thought he did everything he could to protect him,” Hodge said in quarter-time coverage on Channel 7.
Taylor added: “Me too.”
Hodge continued: “He dropped his body weight, his butt hit the ground first and it was just the last nod the referee saw.”