Aussies slam James Mathison for saying Ash Barty and Nine 'glorified alcohol'

Former Australian Idol host James Mathison called out Channel Nine and Ash Barty for 'glamorising alcohol' after Barty's Australian Open triumph on Saturday.

But Aussies have leapt to Barty's defence after the perceived slight against the 25-year-old tennis superstar.

'Crawl back into your hole, James,' wrote one Facebook user. 'She's an adult that worked her guts out to win a Grand Slam tournament.'

Scold: James Mathison (left in 2017) called out Channel Nine and Ash Barty (right, on Saturday) for 'glamorising alcohol' after Barty's Australian Open triumph on Saturday

The commenter added: 'If it was a Gatorade, you'd complain about the sugar intake.'

Others agreed, with one critic writing: 'Leave the poor girl alone... if she wants to neck a beer after working her arse off to win then let her.'

However, former TV presenter Mathison defended himself on Twitter, writing: 'This is not an attack on Ash, who I adore and is an incredible role model.'

'Channel Nine foisted the beer on her. This is about our lionisation of alcohol and how that seeps into everything.' 

He made similar comments on Hit NSW Breakfast with Maz & Lakey, saying: 'It’s been mischaracterised as if I am having an attack on Ash, who I think is an extraordinary role model.

'I was watching this with my kids and then the only way that is culturally or societally accepted to celebrate is with booze?'

He added: 'Part of the reaction has been surprising because people don't want their relationship with booze ever questioned.' 

Not having it: Aussies leapt to Barty's defence after the perceived slight against the 25-year-old tennis superstar

Clarification: Former TV presenter Mathison defended himself on Twitter, writing: 'This is not an attack on Ash, who I adore and is an incredible role model. Channel Nine foisted the beer on her. This is about our lionisation of alcohol and how that seeps into everything'

Mathison had earlier slammed Nine for 'glorifying alcohol' after Barty encouraged the panel to enjoy a beer with her live on air following her Australian Open win on Saturday night.

He tweeted that the 'glamorisation of alcohol in this country is normalised to the point where we can't even celebrate success without booze on live TV'.

Barty had encouraged the commentary team, including Casey Dellacqua and Alicia Molik, to have a Corona with her after her win against America's Danielle Collins. 

Commentary: Mathison (pictured in April 2019) used to host Australian Idol for Channel 10 but has stepped away from the spotlight in recent years

'Our glorification and glamorisation of alcohol in this country is normalised to the point where we can't even celebrate success without booze on live TV,' Mathison wrote.

'It's bizarre. Imagine if this was in Canada and the broadcaster hoisted a joint onto their new champion?'

Mathison's controversial tweet sparked mixed reactions.

Celebratory drink: Barty (pictured) encouraged the commentary team, including Casey Dellacqua and Alicia Molik, to have a Corona with her after her win against Danielle Collins 

His view: He tweeted that the 'glamorisation of alcohol in this country is normalised to the point where we can't even celebrate success without booze on live TV'

'It was so uncomfortable to watch,' one agreed, while another said it was 'incredibly jarring'.

A third joked that Channel Nine was 'staying classy', and one viewer said it was 'bizarre and unnecessary'.

However, Mathison copped some backlash with one critic replying: 'Didn't look or feel awkward to me, it's a celebration after all!!'

Panel: Barty is pictured with the Channel Nine panel following her victory

'Looks like Ash quite enjoyed her beer. It was her best friend who offered it,' another tweeted. 

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment. 

In September, it was revealed Mathison is now working at an Amazon distribution warehouse after stepping away from the spotlight. 

The married father of two was pictured pushing trolleys at the warehouse on Sydney's Northern Beaches - a stark difference to life in the early 2000s when he co-hosted Australian Idol for six years with Osher Günsberg.  

Fierce debate: Mathison's controversial tweet sparked mixed reactions

He rarely discusses his personal life on social media and has not disclosed his employment at Amazon, which opened its first Australian 'fulfilment centre' in Melbourne in December 2017.

He instead uses Twitter to share his political opinions, including advocating for action on climate change and the legalisation of psychedelics. 

Mathison's career change came after he called fame 'hollow' and 'dangerous' in an interview with the You've Gotta Start Somewhere podcast in 2017.

Reflecting on the cut-throat TV industry, he also admitted there weren't many opportunities once he quit Australian Idol.

Household name: Mathison began his television career as a reporter for the now defunct music station Channel [V] 2001. He was appointed co-host of Australian Idol in 2003, alongside Günsberg, then known by his stage name Andrew G, saying until 2009. Both pictured in 2005

'Say you're a plumber or an accountant and you lose your job, you go to Seek and look for another job. Try doing that when you're a radio [or TV] presenter,' he said. 

Mathison began his TV career as a reporter for the now defunct music station Channel [V] 2001.

He was appointed co-host of Australian Idol in 2003, alongside Günsberg, then known by his stage name Andrew G.

Mathison quit the Channel 10 singing competition in 2009 and became a part-time panellist on The Project during the show's early years.

Politics: Mathison tried to enter politics in 2016 by running as an independent candidate in the federal seat of Warringah, which was held by then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott, but failed to win with just 11.4 per cent of the primary vote

He defected to Channel Seven in 2012, becoming a film critic for Weekend Sunrise.

Over the years, he has made appearances on Celebrity Apprentice, Studio 10 and most recently SBS's Celebrity Mastermind.

Mathison tried to enter politics in 2016 by running as an independent candidate in the federal seat of Warringah, which was held by then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott, but failed to win with just 11.4 per cent of the primary vote.

He is married to Carlie Fowler, the head of brand at fashion label Camilla and Marc, and they have two children together, Luca and Celeste.

Family man: He is married to Carlie Fowler (left), the head of brand at fashion label Camilla and Marc, and they have two children together, Luca and Celeste