Port Adelaide Football Club board member Warren Tredrea under fire from Jewish Council of Australia over AJ Roberts appearance on Ballsy Show podcast

Warren Tredrea has hit back at claims he’s promoting anti-Semitism on his podcast while his guest doubles down on his controversial appearance.

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Warren Tredrea has hit back at claims he’s promoting anti-Semitism on his controversial podcast, declaring “in no way, shape or form” is he an anti-Semite – as Port Adelaide launches a formal review into his role on the club’s board.

The Power legend posted a statement to social media Wednesday night defending himself, saying he “unequivocally condemns war and genocide” and that his podcast was meant to give guests a platform – not push his personal views.

“As someone who always aims to do the moral and good thing even when it’s hard, my ultimate goal is to create unity and cohesion whilst pursuing a fair go for all,” he wrote.

The comments came after the Jewish Council of Australia claimed that “anti-Semitic conspiracy theories” were being promoted during an episode of his podcast featuring British army veteran AJ Roberts.

Speaking on Tredrea’s podcast, The Ballsy Show, Mr Roberts referred to Israel as a “fake state” created by “the same Zionists who were controlling World War II”.

He also claimed that Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, was involved in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City, and had worked with former US President Barack Obama to create ISIS.

“Mossad was part of carrying out 9/11,” Mr Roberts said.

“Mossad created ISIS with Barack Obama. So ISIS actually stands for Israeli Specialist Intelligence Service.”

The explosive claims, later shared in a clip on Tredrea’s Instagram, was quickly condemned by Jewish Council of Australia boss Max Kaiser as the “amplification of far-right anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.”

Port Adelaide AFL premiership captain and club board member Warren Tredrea in Adelaide. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

British Army veteran AJ Roberts was a guest on Warren Tredrea's podcast The Ballsy Show

Adelaide Jewish leader Norman Schueler argued that while Tredrea didn’t make those remarks himself he was “tarnished with the same brush” for giving a platform to “rubbish” theories.

“He should stick to AFL because it’s in poor taste and to some it would seem he’s demeaning himself,” he said.

Port Adelaide Football Club moved swiftly to respond to the controversy, releasing a statement saying Tredrea’s board position is now under review.

Chairman David Koch said the club had “comprehensive governance standards that apply to all directors and club officials”.

“Directors and officials of the club are entitled to their personal views, however there are concerns that recent content published is in breach of these standards,” Koch said.

“The club is committed to upholding the professional standards our members, partners and the community expect and deserve.”

Tredrea will retain his place on the board until the review is complete.

Meanwhile, Tredrea’s podcast guest AJ Roberts has doubled down – hitting out at the media in a defiant post.

“Thank you Aussie media for sharing the podcast … it’s only going to wake more people up in your country, rather than you using it to stir up religious hate,” he wrote on Instagram.

The controversy comes as Koch faces questions about Tredrea’s position on the club’s board, amid his ongoing court dispute with former employer Channel 9.

Tredrea has claimed his contract was unfairly terminated in 2022 after he refused to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

Originally published as Port Adelaide Football Club board member Warren Tredrea under fire from Jewish Council of Australia over AJ Roberts appearance on Ballsy Show podcast