sport news Garry Lyon and Tim Watson's boss apologises after footy legends 'ignored fan's ... trends now

SEN Radio boss Craig Hutchison has issued a grovelling apology on behalf of AFL legends Garry Lyon and Tim Watson after the high-profile duo were called out for giving their 'stamp of approval' to an anti-Semitic rant surrounding rising star Harry Sheezel.

On December 2, a North Melbourne fan who identified himself as 'John from Epping' called the pair's radio show and hit Sheezel with a disgraceful anti-Semitic slur.

The forward, 18, has Jewish heritage - and 'John' questioned on the airwaves whether he was worth snaring from the AFL Draft.

'We got this Jewish player (in the draft),' John said.

'You know, the Jewish, they are loaded with money, so maybe, we don't need to go to Tasmania anymore, because probably if we needed some money his parents might pay for it.'

Lyon failed to call out 'John' for the shocking rant, and later compared the youngster to ex-Geelong and GWS star Stevie Johnson.

Watson also had the opportunity to condemn the comments, but stayed silent. 

Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich condemned the on-air comments, saying the pair 'essentially gave him their stamp of approval, and it gave a message to listeners that this type of language was legitimate and acceptable ... it gave the comments power'.

Hutchinson then conceded the incident was unacceptable.

'I would like to extend a personal apology on behalf of SEN for any inadvertent offence caused regarding the segment on SEN Breakfast from our regular talkback caller, John from Epping,' Hutchinson wrote in a statement to Dr Abramovich.

'Hosts Garry and Tim recognised the inappropriate nature of the comment and made a judgement call that it was best discussed with John off air.

'This conversation with the caller took place prior to the program ending.