A Senator has defended his 'appalling' sledge of late sports journalist Rebecca Wilson, just hours after her death from cancer was revealed.
NSW Liberal Democratic Party Senator David Leyonhjelm tweeted in response to news of her death: "Doubt there'll be many #WSW [Western Sydney Wanderers] fans at Rebecca Wilson's funeral #innocentlivesdamaged."
His tweet referred to Ms Wilson public naming of fans allegedly on Football Federation Australia's banned list for bad behaviour, most of whom were supporters of the Western Sydney Wanderers.
However, the comment was heavily criticised on social media for being insensitive, coming so close after the respected journalist's death from breast cancer.
@MarkDiStef @DavidLeyonhjelm What a low thing to say. A woman has just died. Have a little respect Leyonhjeim. Really, really despicable.
— wendyemily (@wendyemily2) October 7, 2016
@DavidLeyonhjelm How dare you! What a truly nasty comment. I hope you realise that this does you no credit whatsoever.
— Nel Matheson (@Bilbulbabe) October 7, 2016
@DavidLeyonhjelm incredibly poor conduct from a public figure. Embarrassing to have shared a continent with you.
— James Polson (@Polso22) October 6, 2016
@janinesymons @DavidLeyonhjelm David is a psychopath, no insight, no empathy.
— Alan Petridish (@Faustus_Socinus) October 7, 2016
Mr Leyonhjelm responded to the outrage in a statement that read: "Death does not suddenly absolve us of what we did when we were alive.
"Western Sydney Wanderers fans never forgot Wilson's failure to check facts or shabby treatment... I do not expect them to attend her funeral. If you think that's offensive, you need to get out more."
Ms Wilson's family announced her passing at 54 years old on Friday morning. She had kept her illness secret.
Husband and former News Limited CEO John Hartigan and the couple's sons Tom and Will said: 'Our amazing Bec lost her long battle against breast cancer early today.'
They said she had battled 'evil trolls, bullies and organised crime figures to prosecute her craft'.
Ms Wilson had overcome breast cancer several years ago, only for it to return five weeks ago in a more aggressive form.