The 53-year-old was arrested on Saturday night outside a home in St Kilda and was charged with stalking and other offences.

But his mug shot and a photo of him in a long blonde wig and wearing a dress, taken inside a police station, were leaked.

“Disgraceful. Taking photos unlawfully and sharing them. And these were sneaky photos while in Police interview in Police Station by a Police Officer,” one of his lawyers, Bill Doogue, tweeted.

“Police should investigate and those involved pull down immediately.” Victoria Police are investigating the dissemination of the images. Laidley, a 1996 premiership winner and later coach with the Kangaroos, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sunday and will remain in custody until May 11 after not applying for bail.