Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine says he’s disillusioned after he was racially vilified on social media.
The Crows contacted the AFL’s Integrity Department after the 22-year-old Indigenous participant obtained a racist message on Instagram.
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Rankine shared the slur, from an account with zero followers or posts, and stated it was “pretty disappointing to STILL have to deal with this. When will it end”.
In a press release, Crows chief government Tim Silvers condemned the vilification and stated the membership wouldn’t tolerate it.
“All of us have a responsibility to call out this type of reprehensible behaviour,” Silvers stated.
“Equally, we must also take the time to understand the hurt it causes the person who has been targeted, as well as in this instance all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“From the Chairman and Board of Directors through to our players, coaches, staff and volunteers, we are determined to use our voice and platform to continue to make a stand.
“We are committed to playing a role in educating as many people as we possibly can.”
In a separate assertion, the AFL stated it was working to determine the one who despatched Rankine the message.
“The AFL in the strongest possible way condemns the hurtful and abhorrent racist remarks directed at one of the Adelaide Crows players over the weekend via social media,” the league stated.
“We stand with the club in calling out the racist comments, comments that cause significant hurt and harm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“The AFLIU has been contacted by the Adelaide Crows and will now provide support for those impacted and investigate the matter, working towards identifying the individual concerned.
“We strongly support all our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and condemn the racial vilification of anyone in the community in football.
“The AFL continues its ongoing implementation of the ‘Peek rule’ and the work never stops against vilification, especially in the online space and the challenges surrounding the identification of antagonists.
“The AFL wants to make clear, there is no place in our game for anyone who vilifies our players.”
Rankine has loved a robust begin to his first season with Adelaide after beginning his AFL profession on the Gold Coast Suns.
He has kicked eight targets throughout the opening 4 rounds and was finest on floor within the Crows’ Showdown win in opposition to Port Adelaide in Round 3.
Source: www.news.com.au
