LANCE Franklin has expressed his disappointment after he and Adam Goodes were the subject of racist comments from a member of the crowd during the Sydney Swans' win over the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
Neither player heard the comments during the game at Etihad Stadium, but Victoria Police have confirmed a Bulldogs supporter was removed from the ground for racially vilifying the two Swans.
"It's disappointing that it's still happening in the community and especially at football games," Franklin said in a brief statement following the team's recovery session in Bondi on Monday.
"It's obviously very good that the crowd has come forward and spoken up.
"I think it's just something that needs to be cut out of the game and the more we can teach people not to be racist, the better for the game.
"So I think it's a positive step forward for the AFL."
Swans officials have privately expressed their frustration about the matter, which is an unwelcome distraction for a side sitting atop the AFL ladder heading into the final round of the home and away season.
Sunday's 63-point victory over the Bulldogs was the Swans' 17th triumph this year, the highest win total in the club's 118-year history.
>They have previously won 16 games in a season three times, most recently in their premiership-winning campaign of 2012, and they can extend that record with a victory over Richmond on Saturday.
Instead of being able to focus on the looming finals campaign, Swans defender Nick Smith answered questions about the racial vilification on Monday during his scheduled press conference.
He and the club were at least pleased members of the public had come forward.
"It's absolutely great that they reported it straight away," Smith said.
"The actions of the fellow that did it were totally unacceptable in the AFL or in society generally.
"It's really good to see that members of the community will step in.
"It's really disappointing that it does happen. In saying that, someone has said it, but other people have stood up and done the right thing.
"A little bit surprised that it still does happen, but it's good that it was addressed straight away."
A number of supporters had pointed out the individual to police.
"The behaviour of the man was reported to police by other supporters in the stadium," a police spokesperson said.
"The 70-year-old Newport man will receive a penalty notice in relation to offensive behaviour.
"Police have spoken to representatives from the Sydney Swans Football Club and have been advised the comments were not heard by any players."
Lance Franklin and Adam Goodes after the round eight win against Hawthorn. Picture: AFL Media
The operators of Etihad Stadium also confirmed that the incident took place.
"Etihad Stadium continues to warn patrons attending any events that if they are overheard making racial taunts or inappropriate remarks, they will be ejected from the venue," stadium spokesman Bill Lane told AFL.com.au.
"We are operating in enlightened times and there is now an expectation from most in society that racial taunts or remarks will not be tolerated under any circumstances."
Earlier this year, Essendon revoked the membership of a supporter accused of making racist comments towards Goodes at a match at Etihad Stadium.
The Western Bulldogs were also involved in an incident in which a person wearing a Dogs' guernsey racially abused Melbourne's Neville Jetta.
Goodes was the subject of a racist taunt last year from a teenage Collingwood supporter, which was then followed by Magpies president Eddie McGuire's 'King Kong' comments.
The champion Swan was named Australian of the Year for 2013 for his leadership and fight against racism on the sporting field and within society.
