Coin-toss gaffe lands Eddie McGuire in hot water again
A contrite Eddie McGuire has offered an “unreserved apology” to amputee Cynthia Banham and the football community after his comments about her coin-tossing efforts at Friday night’s Sydney Swans match attracted widespread condemnation.
A contrite Eddie McGuire has offered an “unreserved apology” to amputee Cynthia Banham and the football community after his comments about her coin-tossing efforts attracted widespread condemnation.
McGuire on Saturday stepped aside from his Fox Sports commentary duties for the Essendon and St Kilda clash. He said he was deeply sorry that his remarks had taken away from plane crash survivor Ms Banham’s special moment.
“I didn’t see the lead up to the toss and had no knowledge of who it was conducting the toss,” he said in a statement.
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“I saw out of the corner of my eye the coin fly out and was having a laugh at coin tossing in general.
“When later I was informed that it was Cynthia Banham and the significance of the night I made immediate apologies.
“Clearly had I known the circumstances I would not have made light of the situation.
“I am deeply sorry that I have taken away from what should have been a wonderful occasion for Cynthia. I have offered Cynthia and her family, the Swans, the AFL and our viewers my unreserved apology.”
Ms Banham, a scholar and former journalist, lost one leg and part of the other when she survived Garuda Flight 200 that crashed in Yogyakarta in 2007, claiming the lives of 21 people including five Australians.
She was leaning on a walking stick as she performed the coin toss in the middle of the SCG on Friday night, appearing unsteady as she was supported by the umpire.
“I think we should introduce a $5000 fine for anybody who is tossing the coin who can’t do it properly,” McGuire commented as Ms Banham was attempting the toss.
“Every week you get someone drop it on their foot — come on, toss it up properly for goodness’ sake, practise in the week, you know you’re going to do it. It can’t be that hard, can it guys? Seriously.”
The Sunday Herald Sun understands McGuire has reached out through an intermediary to contact Ms Banham and is seeking a meeting with her, her husband Michael and her family to apologise.
He will be waiting to have that meeting at a time that suits her and her family, it is understood.
Ms Banham is a Swans ambassador and Sydney’s No.1 ticket holder.
After the game, the Swans said they were “incredibly disappointed”.
“The comments show not only a lack of empathy, but also ignorance,” the club said.
“Cynthia Banham is a passionate Sydney Swans member, our No.1 ticket holder, and a courageous woman who is an inspiration to all of us at the club.”
Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham said McGuire had to be held to account for his actions.
“Cynthia is the person I’m most concerned about,” he said.
“She’s a totally innocent party in the middle of all this.”
The AFL on Saturday confirmed McGuire had apologised profusely to both Ms Banham and the club.
“He acknowledges his comments caused distress and do not reflect the values of our game, which prides itself on being welcoming to all,” the league said.
Head of Fox Sports Peter Campbell said the network was disappointed by the comments and also issued an apology to Ms Banham.
