Collingwood and Port Adelaide have condemned “abhorrent and disgusting” racist messages sent to Power forward Willie Rioli after round 19’s thrilling contest between the two clubs.
The Magpies won by two points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night to surge two games clear on top of the AFL ladder. Rioli kicked one goal from 11 disposals and is set to face scrutiny from the league’s match review officer over an off-the-ball strike on Nathan Murphy.
After the match, Rioli was subjected to racist abuse online.
The 28-year-old shared screenshots of multiple messages that were sent to him, highlighting the abuse with the caption “smart guys”.
Willie Rioli shared screenshots of ‘multiple racist messages’ sent after the game. Photograph: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
“The Collingwood Football Club strongly condemns the abhorrent and disgusting racist remarks directed towards Willie Rioli,” the Magpies CEO, Craig Kelly, said in a statement.
“There is no room for racism in our game and we will not tolerate it – not on the field, off the field or online.
‘Culture of silence’: AFL and AFLW players fearful of speaking out on racism, report findsRead more
“All of us have a responsibility to call out this behaviour and our Club is committed to playing a role in educating as many members of the wider community as possible.”
The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating the matter and will work with the eSafety commissioner’s office to identify the culprits.
Fans found guilty of racial vilification face lifetime bans from AFL matches under new rules announced in May.
Hawthorn AFL racism complainants reveal themselves in open letterRead more
The AFL has offered support to Rioli, who the organisation’s CEO-elect, Andrew Dillon, called a “valued player to our game”.
“Willie is a talented athlete and impressive young man and we stand with him and his family,” Dillon said in a statement.
“Racist comments cause significant hurt and harm and no one should be subject to such abuse.
“Racism is inexcusable and is never OK. We strongly support all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and condemn the racial vilification of anyone in the community.”
Port Adelaide are assisting the AFL and Collingwood in their investigation.
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“We will continue to call out these disgusting actions and use our…
2023-07-22 20:38:46
Original from www.theguardian.com
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