- SThe Australian Tourism Commission is shocked
- ‘City of Churches’ also off limits during footy fest
- Fitzgerald was amazed by the development
Footy star turned radio identity Ryan Fitzgerald has been left in disbelief after the South Australian Tourism Commission was caught trying to ban journalists from using the word ‘Radelaide’ during the AFL’s Gather Round.
3AW radio host Heidi Murphy confirmed the bizarre directive, who also told reporters not to call Adelaide the ‘City of Churches’.
Fitzgerald, who was born in Adelaide and played for the Crows in 2002 before being forced to retire from the sport due to a knee injury, did not mince his words when asked for his opinion.
“That’s ridiculous,” the NOVA FM presenter told Murphy.
“I will say that I understand why they (the South Australian Tourism Commission) don’t like the repeated reference to the City of Churches.
Footy star turned radio identity Ryan Fitzgerald was in disbelief after the South Australian Tourism Commission was caught trying to ban journalists from using the word ‘Radelaide’ during the AFL’s Gather Round
3AW radio host Heidi Murphy confirmed the bizarre directive, who also encouraged reporters not to refer to Adelaide as the ‘City of Churches’ (pictured, Adelaide Crows star Rory Laird in action against the Melbourne Demons)
Ryan Fitzgerald (pictured left) played for Adelaide Crows in 2002 before having to retire from the sport due to a knee injury
Fitzgerald encourages listeners – and scribes – to call Adelaide ‘whatever you want’ (pictured, a panoramic view of Adelaide’s CBD)
“Adelaide doesn’t have many churches, but the ones we do have are nice.”
Not done yet, Fitzgerald encouraged listeners – and scribes – to call Adelaide “whatever you want.”
“When it comes to Radelaide, I love it, I use the term it myself, and this is coming from a guy who grew up here,” he added.
“To be honest, they (SA Government and Tourism Commission) should be happy that people are coming here to play football during the Gather Round and contribute to the economy.
‘Call it Radelaide, Rads, whatever you want… come and enjoy our beautiful shiraz.’
The Commission’s memo instructed reporters to remove the conditions under the heading “content exclusions.”
“Please do not refer to Adelaide as RADelaide. Please don’t call Adelaide the city of churches,” it said.
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted the committee for comment.
Gather Round started on Thursday evening, with the Melbourne Demons beating the Adelaide Crows by 15 points at Adelaide Oval.
All 18 clubs are in action until April 7, with the highlight being Fremantle against Carlton, who are both undefeated in 2024.
Ny Breaking Australia approached the South Australian Tourism Commission for comment.