Matthew Richardson hits back over commentary jab

Richmond legend Matthew Richardson has received an apology after he called out a surprising swipe he received.

Matthew Richardson and Jimmy Bartel. Photo: Michael Klein.

Matthew Richardson has received an apology after he was criticised by a football figure.

The Richmond legend was side-swiped by the Footy Almanac’s Smokie Dawson over his commentary with Channel 7 during the Western Bulldogs’ win over Fremantle on Friday night.

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“Matthew Richardson seems to be a lovely fella. But if he is the best we can do in regards to “special comments” then Ch7’s licence should be revoked,” Dawson wrote on Twitter.

Richardson, one of the most popular figures in Australian football, responded by acknowledging the comment — something the 48-year-old has made a habit of doing in recent times.

Matthew Richardson and Jimmy Bartel. Photo: Michael Klein.

Richardson wrote: “Thanks for the feedback Smokie, enjoy your weekend. Hope 7 don’t lose their license though as I might have to hit up Footy Almanac for an (sic) football analyst role.”

The tweet ended with a thumbs up emoji.

Dawson on Monday issued a public apology for the comment.

“I apologised on the weekend to Richo for what was a poor attempt at humour on my part,” he wrote.

Richardson also attracted criticism for radio commentary on 3AW on Sunday with one Twitter user saying the three-time All-Australian was putting unfair pressure on the Blues.

You can’t win in the footy media world. Channel 7 commentators Cameron Ling, Shaun Burgoyne, Matthew Richardson, Luke Hodge, Luke Darcy and Jobe Watson.

His tongue-in-cheek reply of “cheers” was enough for most fans to squirm.

It has been a turbulent year for the Channel 7 commentary team.

Seven’s Tom Browne was earlier this month in a heated discussion with a football journalist inside the Carlton change rooms.

The confrontation happened after Seven’s Brian Taylor was slammed for what many said was blatant one-sided commentary during Collingwood’s loss to the Brisbane Lions.

Browne challenged football journalist Marc McGowan after the Nine Newspapers reporter criticised Taylor’s commentary on Twitter.

Taylor was last weekend slammed again by some commentators over his ambush to ask Swans star Isaac Heeney to pop on the scales during a live TV segment after Sydney’s win over Richmond.