'Never acceptable': Carlton cancel podcaster's membership over 'abhorrent' comments

Carlton have reportedly revoked the membership of an unofficial Blues fan podcaster after he said he would "punch the f--- out of the Besties", referencing a rival, female-led AFL podcast.

After the male Jumper Punch host, Rocco Stagnitti, issued an apology on Thursday morning, it was revealed Carlton were investigating whether the podcasters were members of the club.

On Friday night, The Age reported Carlton had cancelled Stagnitti's 2026 membership.

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The violent comment came about on the social media channel amid an idea to propose a charity boxing match for Blues content creators.

"Name one creator out there that I wouldn't beat up," Rocco Stagnitti said in the episode published to YouTube.

"But anyone else ... I'd punch the f--- out of the Besties."

The Besties podcasters republished the clip with a message of their own on Thursday.

"For those who aren't already aware, Carlton Respects is Carlton's flagship community initiative which helps the promotion of gender equality for the prevention of violence against women," co-host Tori Saros said.

"And for the next two weeks and beyond, as we have for the past three years, we will continue to use our platform to highlight this and work alongside Carlton to do our part.

"This isn't the first time and I'm sure it's not gonna be the last but this page in particular keeps using us in their content in a negative way for whatever reason, but this is where we draw the line.

"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 think it's one thing that it's not even opposition supporters, these fellow Carlton fans talking about us like this.

"I can't believe I have to say it, but if you have nothing nice to say, learn to say nothing at all."

Following the uproar, Stagnitti posted an apology on the podcast's Instagram page, claiming the remarks were "not meant to be malicious".

"I did not make this comment with any intention of wanting to really punch anyone," Stagnitti said.

"We were simply talking about a charity boxing night which we have spoken about on numerous shows, and we were simply talking about who we could beat and who we couldn't.

"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."

When reached out to by Wide World of Sports, Carlton condemned the podcast segment.

"The segment was abhorrent and in no way reflective of the values of the Carlton football club or the wider Carlton community, who have, and continue to be, incredibly supportive of the club's commitment to raising awareness around the prevention of violence," the club's statement began.

"Football should be a place for everyone to enjoy a sense of community and belonging.

"Violence against women is never acceptable, and content of this nature reinforces why education around respectful relationships remains so important, which the club remains committed to supporting."

The Jumper Punch podcast has no official affiliation with Carlton.

The timing of the comments is particularly concerning for the club as next week the Blues will celebrate the 10th iteration of Carlton Respects - a dedicated round focused on promoting gender equality and ending violence against women in Australia.

"There you go, Respects Round mate right there, Respects Round mate," one of the podcast guests mocked in relation to this round during the podcast episode.

The Blues will face Geelong in Respects Round next week.