Aussie legend's fury over 'sexist' treatment of Erin Molan
Liz Ellis has come out swinging after Erin Molan was blamed for the demise of the NRL Footy Show.
The show’s 25-year run on Australian television came to an end on Tuesday when it was axed.
The long-running Thursday night program attempted to reinvent itself this season under new presenter Molan.
But it did little to stem the tide, and as news broke that the show had been canned on Tuesday, fans took aim at Molan.
Replace a rugby league legend in Paul Vautin with Erin Molan 🤦🏼♂️ wonder why it failed 😂
— Clint Russell (@Clint_R152) October 2, 2018
Lol @Erin_Molan – if you can’t stand the heat….@NRLFootyShow pic.twitter.com/v7hM0ylLnz
— Mmmm…bacon (@bacon_fanz) October 2, 2018
A great job at doing what exactly. She was awful. Yvonne Sampson- fantastic, Alana Ferguson- excellent, Ruan Sims – also excellent. These last three had a passion and a brilliant knowledge base. Milan knew very little and it showed.
— sue mason (@snoozles123) October 2, 2018
Thanks to @Erin_Molan for this…
— Will Scott 🇭🇲 (@wscott850) October 2, 2018
A show produced by people who do not understand the game or it’s fans with Erin Molan the face of the show who only recently started following league when she joined 9. I wonder why it failed…….will however remember the good times which were many and included the Fatman.
— Kuso (@Kuso90004671) October 2, 2018
Aussie netball legend Ellis has since hit back at the hate, suggesting the criticism is simply because Molan is a woman.
“Anyone taking over from Fatty Vautin was always going to be on a hiding to nothing; he was synonymous with the show and is well loved because of it,” Ellis wrote for Nine.
“So whoever the new host was, male or female, they would have come under fire when the show got axed.
“But the commentary about Erin has been incredibly personal, including attacking her for going on maternity leave, so it leaves you no choice but to think this is about her being a woman and daring to take on The Footy Show.
“I thought things had changed, but maybe they haven’t.”
Ellis was particularly furious with backlash around Molan’s decision to take time away from the show when she gave birth.
I don’t know this Mike Colman, but it’s the most disgraceful piece of journalism I’ve ever read. Erin Molan is one of the hardest working people I know and deserve more than the rubbish that’s been written in this opinion piece https://t.co/pQROoTwTqS
— Mark Levy (@marklevy2gb) October 2, 2018
Are you JOKING Mike Colman!? What year do you think this is? A woman can have a baby whenever the hell she wants to have a baby & laying blame on Erin Molan for doing exactly that, is a disgusting insult. Way to live up to that outdated middle aged white man stereotype 👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/BTlOmpa08A
— Kate Limon (@KateLimon9) October 2, 2018
“Some of the criticism directed at Erin this week has been very, very personal, and I really have an issue with that,” Ellis wrote.
“In response, I want Erin to know there are plenty of people who support her and who admire her work ethic; I’m certainly one of them.”
Penrith Panthers supremo Phil Gould also came out in support of the under-fire presenter.
@Erin_Molan without doubt one of most talented, hard-working, professional colleagues I’ve ever had pleasure to work with in all my time. Tremendous asset to Channel 9 organisation & our RL coverage. Also one of the most beautiful, caring, sharing individuals you’ll ever meet
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) October 2, 2018
Despite Vautin’s controversial axing, the founding host was hailed as a central figure in the show’s longevity.
“Fatty holds the record for the longest-serving host of any prime time Australian TV show – a tribute to both his understanding of the game, his authenticity, and not to mention his incredible comedic timing,” Channel Nine said.
The broadcaster confirmed Molan would return to cover rugby league, netball, tennis and cricket.
with AAP
