Former St Kilda champion Nicky Winmar has expressed satisfaction in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s highly effective stance and urged present AFL gamers to take up the combat towards racism.
Western Bulldogs ahead Ugle-Hagan responded to final week’s vile racist assaults by lifting his jumper and pointing to his pores and skin, recreating Winmar’s iconic gesture throughout Thursday night time’s win over Brisbane.
It got here nearly 30 years to the day since Winmar stood as much as racial abuse from Collingwood followers at Victoria Park in April 1993.
“I’m proud of Jamarra for standing up for himself,” Winmar mentioned in a press release on Friday.
“It’s up to the new generations to reinforce the stance I made back in 1993.
“I’m nonetheless right here, nonetheless concerned with the problem, nevertheless it’s been 30 years now.
“It’s like a big relay race, time to pass on the baton.”
Winmar thanked Bulldogs coach and former St Kilda teammate Luke Beveridge for supporting Ugle-Hagan this week after the 20-year-old was racially abused throughout and after his membership’s round-two defeat to the Saints.
The 57-year-old has seen some enchancment in attitudes since he was subjected to racial abuse throughout his enjoying profession, which led to 1999.
But he warned racism remains to be a problem within the AFL and Australian society.
“Things are getting better, with increased awareness, and kids are getting educated in schools now about racism in sport and in society, which is great,” Winmar mentioned.
“There’s still a few who can’t control their negative attitudes, all we can do is keep supporting each other, and keep calling it out.”
Ugle-Hagan recreated Winmar’s well-known gesture after the primary of his 5 objectives towards Brisbane, equalling a career-best tally.
“I also want to congratulate Jamarra for his outstanding on-field performance,” Winmar mentioned.
“Five goals, keep up the good work!”
Winmar, who began his profession with WAFL membership South Fremantle, performed 230 AFL/VFL video games with St Kilda and 21 with the Bulldogs throughout a adorned profession.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
