text: Melbourne radio broadcaster John Burns has been revealed as the media personality alleged to have vilified Richmond's Bachar Houli. Burns, who hosts 3AW morning show Ross and John with Ross Stevenson, is alleged to have referred to Houli as a 'terrorist' at a club function at the MCG on Friday night during the Tigers' match against Melbourne. The radio station confirmed a complaint has been made against Mr Burns and said he doesn't recall making the comment, and is 'mortified' by the allegation. 3AW host John Burns (pictured) has been named as the media personality who allegedly called  Bachar Houli a 'terrorist' John Burns said a friend sitting with him at the time also didn't recall the comment being made. Mr Burns spoke to 3AW's Tom Elliott on Monday afternoon and said that while he didn't recall making such a comment, he apologised unreservedly if any offence had been caused. 'The game was underway and the person in front of me turned around and said 'what did you say'?' Mr Burns said on the radio show. 'I wasn't aware of having said anything really and I don't recall what I said but he alleged that I made a comment that was offensive. 'I don't recall that comment.' Mr Burns went on to claim that the person he was sitting with did not hear his comment. When quizzed by Tom Elliot on how much liquor he had consumed during the game, Mr Burns said he had enjoyed himself but alcohol did not contribute to the events. He said he couldn't even begin to imagine what words of his might have been misconstrued but went on to tell Tom Elliot that he 'didn't say anything like accidental tourists, I wouldn't think'. 'I can't recall saying anything that I intended to be offensive to anybody on the other side of the game.' Mr Elliot told Mr Burns that he has heard the term 'terrorist' and 'jihadist' being used to describe Bachar Houli on numerous occasions at matches, however Mr Burns said he has never witnessed this. Bachar Houli (pictured) became the first Muslim man to play at top level AFL in 2006 . He said Mr Houli is a 'delightful man'. Mr Houli became the first Muslim to play AFL the game at the top level in 2006, when he was employed by Essendon. The 27-year-old moved to Richmond in 2011 and has since taken on the role of multicultural ambassador. In a statement, Mr Burns again apologised 'unreservedly', in particular to the people at the match and members of the Richmond Football Club. 'I had the pleasure of attending the Richmond Football Club function on Friday night,' Mr Burns said. 'During the match, I sat with a friend and we were catching up and talking about the game. It has been suggested to me that during a conversation with my friend, I was overheard saying something which that person found offensive. 'I have no recollection of making an offensive remark. 'However, I acknowledge that a complaint has been made and the idea that something I've said has offended someone is mortifying to me. Houli is a multicultural ambassador for the AFL . 'If I have said anything that has offended anybody, I unreservedly apologise. In particular, to the people at the match and the Richmond Football Club.' Richmond Football Club also released a statement and said they 'now consider the matter closed'. 'Richmond Football Club acknowledges the statement released by 3AW's John Burns this afternoon in relation to an incident that took place at the MCG on Friday night. 'The Club fully supports the staff member who brought this issue to its attention and accepts his version of events. We also accept the apology and now consider the matter closed.' Speaking to The Herald, Tigers captain Trent Cotchin said there is 'no place for it in our game,' when he was asked about the comments allegedly made against Houli. 'It's disappointing to see and hear and as a collective we need to make a stronger stand on it,' he said.
target: John Burns has come out to deny he called footy player a 'terrorist'
  The 3AW host allegedly made the comments against Bachar Houli .
  Houli became the first Muslim man to play top league AFL in 2006 .
  He is the multicultural ambassador for the AFL .
  John Burns says he doesn't recall the comments being made .
  He said he is 'mortified' by the allegations .