Ch7 commentator Brian Taylor goes too far, is complete laughing stock

Football commentator Brian Taylor went too far on Thursday night and has been absolutely torched across the footy world.

Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw. Picture: SCA/SUPPLIED

Even for Brian Taylor, this was taking things too far.

The veteran football commentator was on Thursday night torched across the footy world for his unique opinions during Collingwood’s loss to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

The Lions at one point led by a game-high 38 points — but Taylor’s one-sided commentary suggested the Magpies were breathing down the Lions’ necks.

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Taylor, who played 97 games for Collingwood, has regularly been accused of bias towards his former club when calling the action on Channel 7, but his Collingwood chatter, in the middle of the Lions’ best performance of the season, sounded more like Eddie McGuire was behind the microphone.

Commentators are regularly put under pressure from producers to tell fans the contest isn’t over in order to keep eyes on the TV, but, even in that context, Taylor’s commentary missed the mark in the eyes of many.

Wayne Carey and Brian Taylor calling the action for Seven last year. Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images.

He was torched on social media during the contest — particularly when his focus turned to Collingwood needing to chase percentage points in the fourth quarter.

The Lions were largely overlooked.

As they kicked away with a staggering 10 consecutive goals, Taylor’s commentary was all too much for some.

Melbourne Demons great Brad Green was among those to slam Taylor on social media.

“Brisbane have played well tonight, not that you would’ve heard from CH 7 commentary. All they talk about is Collingwood. Understand they are a big club, but two sides are playing,” he posted on Twitter.

Footy journalist Marc McGowan wrote: “Can’t we just watch the game without BT telling us every second minute how close Collingwood is to getting back into this”.

Collingwood down by 7 goals but the commentators are talking like it’s 7 points. 🙄 #afllionspies

— Mikey Mkoka-Nicholson (@Mikey_Nicholson) April 6, 2023

I don't know if BT is overcompensating by calling every second Collingwood action a free kick or questioning every second Collingwood free kick ... but it's annoying me. #AFLLionsPies

— Antoun Issa (@antissa) April 6, 2023

Daisy Pearce is a lone voice of reason in this ch 7 commentary team #AFLLionsPies

— Elise Potter (@elisempotter) April 6, 2023

Producers telling BT he can finally stop trying to sell a Pies comeback. #AFLLionsPiespic.twitter.com/LnMqxa9mTw

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) April 6, 2023

Taylor’s second half commentary, included telling the audience: “It’s a 38-point margin now, but kick the next two before three quarter time, Collingwood, that’s all they have to do.

“It’s not a big target to be back in the game.”

He went on to say after a Collingwood goal: “A good result for Collingwood. An excellent result would be two more. If they got one it is enough to get into the twenties and send a bit of a shiver up the spine of the Lions.”

Inspired by a six-goal performance from Charlie Cameron and a magnificent display from Cam Rayner, the Lions bounced back from last week’s 14-point loss to the Western Bulldogs to win 18.8 (116) to 11.17 (83) win.

Perhaps the most pleasing thing for the Queensland club was the sight of Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood looking dangerous in the forward fifty after a week where the key forwards were widely slammed for their lacklustre efforts.