AFL commentary great Bruce McAvaney has come under heat for a reference to Collingwood star Jordan De Goey's sexual assault case.
De Goey returned to the Magpies side in last night's win over Geelong and made an immediate impact, booting the first goal of the game.
The 24-year old finished with a game-high five goals in a dominant display to claim best-on-ground honours.
After he nailed the opening goal, McAvaney said: โHeโs had an OK year so far and then heโs had a hiccup, we know."
The 67-year old later apologised for the poor choice of words given the seriousness of the incident.
โI mentioned him (De Goey) earlier tonight and I used some words that I wish I hadnโt,โ McAvaney said.
โI said that he had a hiccup. I was thinking of it in a football sense and I know that itโs upset a lot of people tonight and I do apologise completely.
โI do apologise. Jordan is facing some serious allegations and itโs more than a hiccup and I realise that. So for anyone thatโs taken offence, I understand completely.โ
De Goey was charged with one count of indecent assault relating to an historical incident in 2015.
He is set to face court the Melbourne Magistrates Court on October 30.
The star forward is out-of-contract at the end of the season.
