'Doesn't have the guts': Eddie McGuire lashes out at David Koch

Eddie McGuire has taken aim at David Koch after the Port Adelaide boss expressed his desire for the Power to wear their ‘prison bars’ guernsey in next year’s Showdown against Adelaide.

Port will wear the controversial guernsey when the AFL resumes for Round 2 next week, however Kochie reckons the club should also wear it in future Showdowns - the traditional South Australian grudge match.

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“I think (the AFL) should allow us to wear it in Showdowns, because Showdowns have such significant heritage value for South Australian football, and that’s what I will be discussing with the AFL when we talk about wearing it in the Showdown next year,” Koch told 5AA radio.

Port last wore the guernsey in their 2014 elimination final against Richmond after receiving special permission from McGuire and Collingwood.

However McGuire is reluctant to allow Port to wear it due to its similarities with the famous Magpie black and white.

The Collingwood boss says the black and white is synonymous with his club and shouldn’t be ripped off by others.

Speaking on Footy Classified on Wednesday night, McGuire said Koch’s comments were ‘disingenuous’ and ‘gutless’ because there is no chance his request will be granted.

“My point is this - there are major things when you have an identity and it’s your trademark. Collingwood’s is the magpie and black and white,” McGuire said.

“David doesn’t have the guts to tell his supporters that it’s finished.

“David, to his credit, has always been a strong supporter of the magpie. You’re not, and you can’t, wear it again.

“We have handshake agreements, we have contracts, we have trademark agreements, the AFL own the trademark.

“What annoys me, and I think David is being so disingenuous to his own supporters, is he goes on South Australian radio or TV and he fizzes them up.

“The magpie is (the) Collingwood Magpie, and that’s that.”

Eddie McGuire threatens legal action

McGuire said he’s always been happy to accomodate Port’s requests to wear the guernsey, but Koch is overstepping the mark this time.

The Collingwood boss even suggested he would take Port to court over the fiasco.

“If the AFL Commission doesn’t do what it’s there for, ie protect its clubs and its trademarks, then they’re really going to get into (trouble),” McGuire said.

“The bottom line is, they’re a great club, enjoy it. David, why bring this up the week before we’re all going to get back?

“Any time you’ve asked on a special occasion we’ve always said yes.

“Kochie, c'mon. You made a goose of yourself with Mick Malthouse, don't make it twice.”

McGuire’s second recent swipe at Kochie

McGuire was referring to Kochie’s controversial recent comments that Malthouse would “bring back the White Australia policy” after the coaching legend suggested the AFL should sever ties with China over their handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

McGuire said Koch was within his rights to defend the China game, but his attack on Malthouse overstepped the mark.

“David’s absolutely entitled to argue for the benefits that come from that,” he said.

“Yes, China is a major power that we have to deal with and that’s what our governments are trying to deal with, he’s looking at that, Mick’s looking at it from a football point of view.

“I think if everyone just had their time again, you’d be able to put your point of view on it and then count it, but we didn't need to get so personal on that one.

“When you’re actually nationally aligned with promulgating the worst racist regime, I mean that’s apartheid what Australia was, that’s a big big call and one that’s too far.”