Clubs want ‘accountability' after racial abuse

Perth Now

14-07-2025

Port Adelaide has called for the federal government to demand 'accountability' from social media companies as two AFL clubs and the players association condemned more racial attacks.
It comes as Victoria Police arrested and charged man for a racial attack on NBL star Montrezl Harrell in what was lauded as a landmark moment in Australian sport.
Port's Jase Burgoyne and St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera both called out the racial abuse they copped across last weekend.
After going down to Sydney by five points on Sunday, Wanganeen-Milera was targeted by an anonymous account with a vile attack, including the words 'bro u f--king n----r'.'
Burgoyne, a close friend of Wanganeen-Milera, then revealed even more horrific language used to attack him on his Instagram account, including 'tell your cousins to get jobs', 'welcome to country you f--king loser' and a vile reference to his mother. The abuse on Jase Burgoyne's Instagram account. Credit: Supplied
Port released a statement on Monday condemning the attacks and calling for action having referred the matter to the AFL's integrity unit.
'Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated,' the statement said.
'The club has advised the AFL integrity department and we look forward to working closely with the AFL to identify those responsible and sanction appropriately.
'We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears.
'Port Adelaide also calls for governments to demand accountability from social media organisations. Platforms need to take accountability and action against these abusers.' Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has called out racial abuse. Mark Stewart Credit: News Corp Australia
AFL boss Andrew Dillon said hiding behind a fake account was 'cowardly' and the league would use its agreement with the eSafety Commissioner to address the issue.
'We have been clear that there is absolutely no place for this behaviour in our sport and in society. Racism is never acceptable and these incidents demonstrate there is so much more work to be done,' he said.
'Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jase Burgoyne are talented footballers and remarkable young men. We acknowledge their courage to call out the hurtful and completely unacceptable remarks and offer our support to both players, their families and our broader Indigenous playing group.'
St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena said the club would work closely with the league to identify the perpetrator of the abusive messages.
'As a club we do not accept racist behaviour of any kind,' Dilena said.
'These comments are abhorrent and have no place in our game or our community.
'Beyond Nasiah's talent on the field, he is a proud Kokatha and Narangga man who deserves to work and live free from this type of abuse. St Kilda Football Club stands firmly with Nasiah, his family and all First Nations people, and we remain committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
'We fully support Nasiah and will work closely with the AFL integrity unit to do everything we can to identify the person responsible for these messages.'