Craig Kelly, who manages both Garry Lyon and Billy Brownless, says the fallout between The AFL Footy Show personalities has deeply affected their families.

Kelly has confirmed that Lyon did start a relationship with Brownless’ ex-wife Nicky, but only after she had separated from the former Geelong star.

Lyon has stepped down from his media duties as he battles depression and Brownless has been tight-lipped since news broke over the weekend.

• Garry Lyon affair may have gone on for years
• Lyon battles ‘serious mental health condition’

However, the pair has been in constant contact with Kelly since the weekend who until now has not spoken about his clients’ predicament.

“Today’s media reports suggesting that Garry and Nicky’s relationship has gone on for years are totally incorrect,” Kelly told AAP.

“We want to be clear that this relationship took place when both parties were not married. To that end, those details are private and no one else’s business.

“Both families are in turmoil and trying to work through this extremely difficult time.”

Kelly is bitterly disappointed that the media have been trying to contact children of the families involved for their reaction.

“It is completely inappropriate for the media to be contacting the children and asking for comments on their parents,” he said.

Kelly, who is the CEO of TLA and is also a former Collingwood premiership player, said Lyon’s mental illness needs to be respected and his treatment is ongoing.

He said reports contradicting Lyon’s medical situation are false.

“Garry’s mental illness is serious and complex and has been ongoing for some time,” he said.

“He continues to receive medical treatment and, as anyone who has dealt with mental illness personally, or as a support, would understand it is a long process and often a day-by-day prospect.”

Kelly has requested the privacy of both families be respected.

-AAP