The AFL today said two separate incidents involving racial vilification directed at Indigenous AFL players by someone in the crowd in recent weeks were extremely disappointing, but also highlighted the zero tolerance from other fans and the AFL community towards such behaviour.

AFL General Manager, Football Operations Mark Evans said the strong response from supporters in the surrounding area who reported the comments and the subsequent actions of the clubs involved demonstrated that vilification and anti-social behaviour have no place in Australian Football.

“It is appalling that some people still think they can go to the football and yell whatever they like over the fence,” Mr Evans said.

“The AFL has been very clear that vilification of any kind is not acceptable at football matches and, whenever possible, action will be taken against those responsible,” Mr Evans said.

“While these two isolated incidents are very disappointing, it is good to see that AFL crowds are now largely self-regulating when it comes to offensive comments and anti-social behaviour.”

Mr Evans’ statement followed actions announced by the Essendon and Western Bulldogs Football Clubs in relation to recent vilification incidents involving Sydney Swans player Adam Goodes and Melbourne player Neville Jetta.

“The immediate response from other fans at the time as well as the unequivocal follow-up actions of the clubs shows that the AFL community has had a gutful of the few people who still don’t get it,” Mr Evans said.

“Insulting comments based on race, religion, gender, disability or sexual identity are never acceptable at a sporting event or anywhere else. Being a face in the crowd no longer guarantees anonymity and when someone can be identified they will be held accountable for their actions.”

Mr Evans said the AFL continued to screen a message on the scoreboard before every AFL game to encourage fans to support their teams with respect for all, to behave appropriately, and to set a good example for those around them in the crowd. The campaign also details the Anti-Social Behaviour text line for each stadium.

He said the upcoming annual Toyota AFL Indigenous Round would provide an opportunity for the AFL community to collectively celebrate the extraordinary contribution of Indigenous players to Australian football and to reaffirm the code’s stance on diversity and inclusion.