James Hird’s comments on last Wednesday night’s Footy Show need to be put into perspective, according to Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson. Hird’s comments on the umpiring of Scott McLaren have drawn unprecedented criticism in AFL circles.

""James made an error in judgement and he will have to deal with the consequences,"" Jackson said.

"" But I think everyone has at some time or another been guilty of saying something they would prefer to take back.

""Put it into perspective. This is a highly-decorated player who has done so much good for this game. He made a mistake – leave it at that.

""The hysterical response in some sections of the media does nothing to help the situation. He made a mistake, let’s sort it out and move on. There are some issues currently doing the rounds that I think are far more serious.

""I’m not for one moment under-estimating the issue we have with umpiring. In fact this club has established a community program in regional Victoria that aims to grow participation in sport – be that as a player, support staff or indeed an umpire or referee.""

Jackson again pointed out that Hird’s comments had been of his own volition.

""I asked James if anyone at the club had asked him to make such comments and he said ‘absolutely not’,"" Jackson said.