Carlton Football Club has revoked the membership of podcaster Rocco Stagnitti after he made a violent joke about a female-led supporter group during a livestream, triggering widespread outrage across the AFL community.
The Blues confirmed on Friday that Stagnitti, host of the unofficial fan podcast The Jumper Punch, would have his membership suspended until at least the end of 2026. The decision followed comments directed at Carlton supporter creators The Besties, a female-run fan page with a large social media following.
The incident erupted after a clip from the podcast circulated online earlier this week. During a discussion about a hypothetical charity boxing event involving Carlton fan creators, Stagnitti said: 'I'd punch the f*** out of The Besties.' The remark was met with laughter from others on the panel, with one host adding: 'There you go, Respects Round mate right there, Respects Round mate.'
The timing proved especially damaging given Carlton was preparing for its annual Carlton Respects Round, an initiative focused on gender equality and preventing violence against women. Stagnitti later released an apology video after the remark triggered widespread backlash online, with footy fans describing it as 'horrendous' and 'abhorrent'.
The Besties co-founder Tori Saros appeared in a video condemning Stagnitti and his co-hosts. 'It's disgusting but this is just one example of what we deal with as female creators and what we are sure others experience, too,' Saros told ABC Sport. 'We don't mind if you don't like us. We don't mind if you don't like our content. We understand it isn't for everyone. I can't believe I have to say it, but if you have nothing nice to say, learn to say nothing at all.'
Carlton moved quickly after the backlash intensified online, launching an investigation before deciding to revoke Stagnitti's membership. The club also confirmed the individuals involved had been offered access to respect education programs. In a statement, Carlton strongly condemned the segment: 'The segment was abhorrent and in no way reflective of the values of the Carlton Football Club or the wider Carlton community. Football should be a place for everyone to enjoy a sense of community and belonging. Violence against women is never acceptable.'
The fallout prompted strong reactions from across the football world, including Carlton supporters, journalists and women working in sports media. Sports journalist Marnie Vinall described the behaviour as 'disgusting abhorrent behaviour', while basketball broadcaster Kelsey Browne labelled the comments 'vile'.
Facing mounting criticism, Stagnitti later issued a public apology on Instagram: 'I did not make this comment with any intention of wanting to really punch anyone. Although my intentions were not malicious, I completely acknowledge that what I said promoted the wrong message and made many feel uncomfortable. This is a position I would never want to put anyone in, but more importantly women. For that, I am sorry and I apologise to everyone that was affected by my comments.'
