GREATER Western Sydney defender Heath Shaw has apologised for the offensive comment that took the gloss off the Giants' big win over Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night.

Shaw was recorded by on-field microphones calling opponent Tom Papley a "f---ing retard" as Papley headed to the bench. The Sydney small forward had just been in a contest with Shaw in which he had held Shaw in a headlock. 

The audio was broadcast, prompting Fox Footy commentator Jason Dunstall to apologise to viewers.

"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 on Sunday. 

"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."