News

MAC statement on football incident

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:18:00

The Mildura Aboriginal Corporation says it’s saddened by an incident it’s alleged involved the racial vilification of a footballer at a weekend match.

MAC’s chief executive Rudolph Kirby said it was disappointing the incident had occurred in the first round of the season,

“Footy is a passionate game, of course, and it’s not unusual for there to be robust exchange of views, whether it be among players or from spectators,” Mr Kirby said.

“But our laws, and the rules of football only reflect what society in general believes – that racial vilification has no place in our community.”

Mr Kirby said the SFNL and clubs need to take clear and decisive action.

“We saw last year that a Collingwood fan who racially abused a Gold Coast Suns player had his 20-year membership terminated after complaints from other supporters,” he said.

“I would say that should be the case wherever racial vilification occurs, in every level of sport.  Clubs must take responsibility.”

“It’s not good enough to say Koori players need to ‘man up’ and absorb it.”

“A line is crossed when there’s abuse based on a person’s race – it’s not acceptable, and it’s everyone’s business.”