Eudunda Robertstown Football Club hosts Barry Hall but distances itself from his radio comments

SHAMED former AFL star Barry Hall gave a paid speech to a South Australian country football club on Saturday night, a day after he was sacked for vulgar radio remarks.

• Barry Hall says he’s sorry for vulgar joke about Montagna’s wife

SHAMED former AFL star Barry Hall gave a paid speech to a South Australian country football club on Saturday night, hours after he was sacked for vulgar radio remarks.

Hall, Sydney’s 2005 premiership captain, was a guest at Eudunda Robertstown Football Club.

Despite the backlash, the club kept its engagement with the sacked football commentator, including an after-dinner speech and a question- and-answer session.

The media was not allowed inside but Hall could be clearly seen from the outside interacting with guests and having his picture taken.

It is understood Hall told the crowd of about 100 people at Eudunda that his remarks could have been censored by Triple M if they had used the delay button.

Former AFL star Barry Hall at the Eudunda Robertstown Football Club on Saturday night. AAP Image/ Brenton Edwards

Hall was whisked away via a side door into a waiting car just after 11pm.

A Southern Saints Social Club spokeswoman on Saturday night said the club stood by a statement issued ahead of the function that distanced it from Hall’s remarks.

The statement, posted on social media, read: “If any person who has purchased a ticket for tonight’s event with Barry Hall has been offended by his comments last night, your tickets will be refunded.

“The event is still going ahead, however, the Saints Football and Netball clubs want to ensure that we do not condone Barry’s comments and we wish to distance ourselves from them.”

She later said no patrons had sought refunds after Hall’s comments. But she refused to say how much he was paid.

The event came hours after Hall apologised on Saturday morning for vulgar remarks he made during a live radio segment, saying he hoped Australians would forgive him.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise for any offence taken from my commentary on Friday night’s Triple M footy coverage,” Hall said.

Barry Hall and his partner Lauren Brant, who has stood by him.

“It was a silly thing to say and it is not a reflection of who I am or what my views are.

“I am a proud father and dedicated partner and have nothing but respect for women.”

Hall and his colleagues were talking live on air on Triple M Footy when the topic about former St Kilda star Leigh Montagna’s heavily-pregnant wife. He was immediately sacked by Triple M for subsequent vulgar comments.

“I am sorry, I should not have said such an inappropriate comment on air and hope I can be forgiven and move forward from here.”

Hall’s partner, former Hi- Five children’s entertainer Lauren Brant, 29, defended his character.

“I want people to know that Barry has an absolute heart of gold,” she said.

“He is the most adoring partner and loving and proud father and would never want to offend any person, especially women. I say that as an empowered female myself.

“Unfortunately, my little family is facing the upsetting backlash to a ‘throwaway’ comment.” Triple M and Montagna refused to comment.