Western Bulldogs ahead Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has acquired hugs from strangers on the street following his immediately iconic anti-racism stance.
The 21-year-old has felt the love from all elements of society after recreating Nicky Winmar’s well-known gesture in the course of the Bulldogs’ round-three win towards the Brisbane Lions.
Ugle-Hagan was abused by followers throughout and after his facet’s loss to St Kilda 5 days earlier, prompting the proud Indigenous man from Framlingham in southwest Victoria to carry his jumper and level to his pores and skin after kicking the primary of his 5 targets towards the Lions.
His stance has been universally praised, together with by Winmar himself, with Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge describing it as “iconic night”.
“I’ve had so much support from obviously everyone out there, not even just Bulldogs fans and my family and my teammates,” Ugle-Hagan informed AAP after the Bulldogs’ win towards Richmond on Saturday.
“Even just walking down the street people coming up to me and just giving me hugs and saying ‘we’re so proud of you’.
“Just like strangers coming up in the middle of the street at lunchtime to just give me a hug.
“I’m like obviously not going to say no to that because I love it.
“People haven’t supporting me directly but they’re doing things out there and stuff you don’t see, that’s what’s going to help prompt change.”
Ugle-Hagan’s actions got here nearly 30 years to the day after Winmar, a former St Kilda champion, stood as much as racist abuse from Collingwood followers at Victoria Park.
The former No.1 draft decide echoed his sentiments in a press convention after the sport towards the Lions that he’ll proceed to talk as much as assist educate the neighborhood.
“Obviously it was a tough week, but I feel like just because that week’s done doesn’t mean the conversation stops,” Ugle-Hagan stated.
“Keep working and obviously still educate the people around you.
“If you hear anything, just casual racism, everyone deserves respect.
“The way you respect others you’re going to get respect back so just keep your head up and be proud.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
