Fans outraged as Channel Seven cuts short Jobe Watson, James Kelly farewell

LATEST: CHANNEL Seven has issued a peace offering to outraged footy fans for cutting to the news as retiring Essendon great Jobe Watson walked off the ground for the final time, but some are still seething.

'I feel sorry for Jobe' Channel 7 cut short Jobe Watson and James Kelly’s farewell. Picture: Michael Klein

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CHANNEL 7 has moved to quell the anger of footy fans after cutting short Jobe Watson’s emotional farewell.

The retiring Essendon star was walking off the ground to applause and wellwishers at the SCG but fans at home didn’t see the full farewell as Channel Seven head to the news.

A spokesperson said last night: “We have the greatest respect for the players and their remarkable careers.”

The network played the moment in full in the first break of the later Port Adelaide-West Coast game.

Sorry folks, we were in a rush to get to news. The full Jobe Watson & James Kelly guard of honour will be shown at 1/4 time of Port v WCE.

— Channel 7 (@Channel7) September 9, 2017

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What viewers didn’t see: Jobe Watson and James Kelly leaving the field for the last time. Picture: Michael Klein

Seven also chose to interview Sydney pair Lance Franklin and Josh Kennedy after the Swans’ 65-point win instead of the departing 220-game Bomber.

Dual premiership star Corey McKernan joined outraged fans on social media, condemning the network for the decision.

Nooooo @7AFL Jobe going off the ground and we don't see it!!! Kidding!!

— Corey McKernan (@CoreyMcKernan) September 9, 2017

Did @Channel7 really just cut away as Jobe Watson and James Kelly were walking off? Disgrace! #AFLSwansDons

— Paul Nolan (@pwnolan) September 9, 2017

Channel 7 showing highlights instead of Watson and Kelly leaving the field? Yeesh #AFLSwansDons

— Ethan (@ethan_meldrum) September 9, 2017

Jobe Watson and James Kelly leaving the field. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The Swans applauded Jobe Watson after his last game of AFL. Picture: Phil Hillyard

After the ferocious online response, Fox Footy broadcast the full farewell shortly afterwards and the AFL tweeted footage that Channel Seven did not show.

For those that didn't get to see it because of @7AFL disservice to the game, here is the deserved
recognition and respect for two champions https://t.co/tvzEbFAXRu

— Ted Richards (@tedrichards25) September 9, 2017

Jobe Watson acknowledges the crowd as he leaves the field. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

It was a sad end for Watson and outgoing teammate James Kelly, with the Bombers never in the contest at the SCG.

Watson earlier this year announced he would retire at the end of the 2017 season.