Carlton coach Mick Malthouse had a heated argument with Channel Seven commentator Cameron Ling on the boundary line during Saturday night’s AFL loss to Sydney.
But Malthouse says he has the highest regard for Ling, adding his anger in the halftime incident was not directed personally at the former Geelong premiership captain.
The three-time premiership coach became furious with vision that was shown during the match on the SCG scoreboard and on monitors in the Carlton coaching box.
There were several replays during the first half of Malthouse’s animated reactions to what was happening out on the ground.
It is understood that the SCG took the Seven TV feed for the scoreboard and the monitors in the coaching boxes during the match.
At grounds such as the MCG, separate footage is used for those screens.
Footage has now emerged of Malthouse clearly arguing with Ling on the boundary as the coach goes to the Carlton rooms at halftime.
Malthouse also had words with Ling and the Seven crew as the former player went to do his live cross from the Blues rooms during the halftime break.
Ling’s live cross eventually went ahead as planned.
When asked on Monday night to clarify there was no spat with Ling, Malthouse replied: “absolutely”.
“I get on very well with Cameron Ling, no problems,” he said.
“I admire him, I think he’s a fantastic bloke.
“He misinterpreted that I was talking to him – it certainly wasn’t him.”
Malthouse worked with Ling in 2012 when they were on the Seven commentary team.
The Malthouse-Ling argument is the second controversy to emerge from Seven’s coverage of the Saturday night game.
Seven commentator Brian Taylor apologised and will have to undergo counselling after calling Geelong player Harry Taylor “a big poofter” during a pre-game segment.
Carlton are having a horror season in Malthouse’s second year as coach and lost to the Swans by 71 points.
Ling, who captained Geelong in two of his three premierships, joined Seven after retiring at the end of the 2011 season.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Mick also had a go at Sammy Lane in the post match. Lighten the hell up Micky, worse things happen.
Gecko
Guest
The TV camera cross to the coach's box is being used more and more nowadays, and dummy-sptting coaches like Malthouse and the Scott brothers provide the best footage. Their theatrics have become part of the game and part of the entertainment. Bomber Thomson's laconic style is also great fun. Put it all on the SCG scoreboard.
KenAgain
Guest
About time the Carlton Football Club woke up to this antiquated embarrassment of a Coach and dropped him. If he does not want his face on TV in pressure moments he should just resign. This is the new world order. TV and Internet exposure is part of a Football Clubs Brand. And Mick Malthouse continues to trash the Carlton Brand. The last decade has been our lowest ebb and the tide will not turn until he has left. The new Carlton President should apologise to Ling in person and ask him if he wants to replace this grumpy old fool. He is the sought of person you would be proud to have lead your club. Not continually embarrass us!