The Footy Show’s double standards are appalling and pathetic, writes Mark Robinson

IT didn’t take long for the The Footy Show to dance on the distress of others — they were always going to be hypocrites in light of Garry Lyon’s plight, writes Mark Robinson.

IT didn’t take long for the The Footy Show to dance on the distress of others — for fun.

They were always going to be hypocrites in light of Garry Lyon’s plight. It was simply a matter of when.

A new segment called The Footy Show Stakes is a cartoon horse race that highlights the failings of international celebrities and sports people.

On Wednesday, the cartoon had a pop at Madonna, had a laugh with Hulk Hogan about his sex-tape payout, with Eddie McGuire and Benny Gale over the potential new stadiums and had Patty Dangerfield carrying Chris Scott — the clear message was that superstar signing will be carrying the team this year.

Then they had a whack at David Schwarz and Chris Yarran.

You can ask where the line is drawn, so let’s make it clear: Mental health.

Schwarz and his family are gutted that the The Footy Show had him on a racetrack, then being booted from the track by Jesse Hogan.

Schwarz earlier in the week criticised Hogan’s goalkicking and, in what the The Footy Show would claim as a bit of fun, the skit said: “Entering the back straight Jesse Hogan on Have A Look At This Drop Kick.’’

The vision was Schwarz being booted up the bum by Hogan’s horse.

The anguish and frustration is always in the eyes of the beholder, so if Schwarz was offended then it’s offensive.

Schwarz, remember, was suicidal at different times during his gambling addiction.

He ruined himself, his family, lost friends and is very much aware his addiction, which revolved around horse racing, is something he has to confront every day of his life.

Meanwhile, Channel 9 throws him on a racetrack for fun.

The so-called joke on Yarran smacked of utter double standards.

It’s like life’s difficulties are serious when it comes to one of their own, but it’s open season on every one else.

The cartoon depicted the injured Tiger on a horse they called “Pre-season Porkie’’ and had an image of Yarran carrying a considerable amount of extra kilograms.

On Monday night, on the same network’s Footy Classified program, Yarran’s injury and pre-season woes were discussed.

It was stressed, though, that Yarran was dealing with personal issues — off-field issues they called them — which is generally code that all is not well in Yarran’s life.

Two nights later, on the network’s flagship footy program, they ridiculed him for allegedly being overweight.

Boom. Boom.

Let me ask though: Why didn’t they have Lyon in the horse race in any of the first three episodes?

Put him on, say, Nicky’s Delight, or Cut Your Grass, or Grumpy Gaz Goes Rogue.

The double standards are appalling.

On the first show of the season — the night Billy Brownless bared his pain — James Brayshaw and Sam Newman spoke in grave tones about the battle Lyon was enduring.

And I mean grave: We’re thinking about you, Gaz. Take care, mate. Can’t wait to have you back.

They banged on about their fears for Garry, and it was solemn stuff, yet they then pay little or no respect to others who are battling their own issues.

It’s like life’s difficulties are serious when it comes to one of their own, but it’s open season on every one else.

And it really is pathetic.

Originally published as The Footy Show’s double standards are appalling and pathetic, writes Mark Robinson