AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has stood by umpire microphones during live broadcasts.

GWS defender Heath Shaw offered an unreserved apology on Sunday after he was heard calling an opponent a ‘f—ing retard’ during the Giants’ win against Sydney.

McLachlan said the AFL has spoken to Shaw about the incident, which was broadcast live into living rooms via an umpire’s microphone.

Many have questioned whether microphones are necessary and unfair to players.

But McLachlan remains supportive of the microphones.

‘The mics are an important part of bringing the game to a lot people,’ he told Neil Mitchell today.

‘I think players in general know where the line is.’

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview with Gillon McLachlan