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Sam Newman sparks outrage with comments about Caitlyn Jenner

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The Footy Show's Sam Newman has again provoked outrage, this time over his comments about Caitlyn Jenner. On Wednesday night's program Billy Brownless showed the former footballer a picture of Jenner, asking if he knew who Caitlyn is, to which Newman replied "I know who he... it is. I do."

Newman followed up with "Oh well what is she? Is it a 'he' or a 'she'? Still got the bloody..." at which point host Rebecca Maddern interrupted saying "He is a she now".

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Sam Newman: Is it a 'he' or a 'she'?

Sparking outrage, Sam Newman makes comments about Caitlyn Jenner on The AFL Footy Show.

Social media has been filled with outcry over the incident, with many calling for the former Geelong footballer to resign and for the Footy Show to be boycotted.

Some of the most vocal criticism came from the wife of a prominent AFL player who said she wouldn't remain silent on such an important issue.

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In a series of tweets, social commentator Annie Nolan, the wife of Western Bulldogs' star Liam Picken, said she wouldn't hold her tongue any longer.

"Despite my love and best efforts to support my husband, I've had people blame me and other partners for disappointing football results," she said.

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"There's an unspoken code do be quiet because of unwanted pressure and attention.

"But the trans community have far more unwanted pressure and attention. Especially after the transphobia I saw on [The AFL Footy Show] last night," she said.

"I'm sick of seeing bullies on football shows offending and isolating communities from our game. This land's game."

Nolan said all those affiliated with the Channel Nine program "should be disgusted with last night's show."

"Forget a half baked apology. We need you to change!" she said.

"Others on the show; It's bad enough some laughed and others were silent. Speak up!

"So I'm saying it loud and clear. Myself and [Liam Picken] stand with the trans community."

St Kilda Football Club also responded to the controversial broadcaster's comments, with chief executive Matt Finnis saying the club has been in contact with Channel Nine to express its concern. Finnis said research shows the use of language can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being of members of the LGBTI community. 

"Comedy at the expense of transgender people is no joke."

"We, like the Footy Show, are part of a broader football industry that has enormous reach and power to influence societal change."

with Scott Spits