Remorseful Giants veteran Heath Shaw has apologised for offensive comments levelled towards Swans forward Tom Papley in Saturday night's derby win over Sydney.
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The words "f***ing retard" were picked up by an umpire's microphone and could be heard on the television coverage of the game, which took the shine off the Giants' equal biggest win over the struggling Swans.
Shaw was quick to say sorry for the offensive remarks on Sunday morning.
"I want to apologise for the insensitive comment I made to Tom Papley during last night's game," Shaw said in a statement on the Giants' website.
"Yes I am a fiery person who plays with a lot of passion and emotion but that is no excuse for my actions last night.
"I apologise to Tom and anyone else who took offence to my comments, I deeply regret them.
"There is no place for comments of that nature on or off the football ground. It was an offensive remark that I should never have made and for that I apologise."
It's the second times in two derbies the Giants have been embroiled in a sledging incident.
Giants ruckman Shane Mumford also found himself in hot water after last year's qualifying final win over the Swans, when he levelled a mental-health comment at Lance Franklin.
Mumford later apologised to Franklin, and escaped sanction from the AFL and the club.
Saturday night's derby was an action-packed contest, and extended Sydney's horror start to the year which left them at the foot of the AFL table.
Four-goal star Toby Greene was reported for rough conduct on Isaac Heeney in the first quarter while Swans pair Heath Grundy and Josh Kennedy left the field with nasty head knocks.
Giant Josh Kelly picked up a left knee injury but is expected to be fit for Friday's preliminary final rematch against the Western Bulldogs.
Franklin also managed to kick his 800th career goal in the 42-point loss.
