The Barty poopers: Channel Seven is smashed by AFL fans for spending too much time focusing on tennis star Ash in the crowds rather than showing the game

AFL fans have been left fuming after Channel Seven coverage focused too much time on tennis star Ash Barty than the game itself.

During the semi-final round between Richmond and St Kilda on Friday evening, the Australian tennis player and world number one was spotted in the crowds wearing a Tigers jersey.

Frustrated fans took to social media calling out Channel Seven for making Barty, 24, the main focus of its coverage as she cheered on the Tigers. 

Ash Barty (far right) was spotted on Friday night at the Richmond game against St Kilda

'Was totally cool with them mentioning her absolutely but it just went on and on. We are watching the footy not the tennis,' one person wrote.

'Was cool to see once. Didn't need it constantly though,' another commented.

'More footage of her in that last qtr than the actual game,' someone else complained.

'Not like Channel 7 to flog a dead horse or anything,' another said. 

Channel 7 coverage of the AFL match was slammed with fans saying they focused too much on the world number 1 tennis player (pictured Ash Barty amongst fans)

Ash Barty cheers for the Tigers at full time following their stunning win 80 - 49 against St Kilda

Some fans however appreciated seeing Barty in the crowds supporting the Tigers in their incredible win 80 - 49. 

'Love Ash!' one simply wrote. 

'How can you not love Ash Barty?' another questioned. 

'Ash Barty is in the stands with a beer celebrating showing the world what’s missing and the passion of sports with spectators present,' another commented.

Barty made the Australian Open semi-finals in January but skipped the US Open and her French Open title defence due to COVID-19.