Magpie fans at centre of AFL’s latest racial-abuse disgrace


Willie Rioli (r) is the latest in a long and shameful list of Indigenous players subjected to racial abuse. Photo: AAP
Collingwood have condemned “multiple racist messages” aimed at Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli after the AFL’s round 19 thrilling showdown between the two clubs on the league ladder.
The Magpies came from behind in a final-quarter blitz to snatch an unlikely two-point win from Port Adelaide with just seconds to go at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
Rioli kicked one goal from 11 disposals and is set to face scrutiny from the league’s match review officer over an off-the-ball strike on Nathan Murphy.
After the match, which put the Magpies two games clear on top of the ladder, Rioli was subjected to racist abuse online, which Collingwood addressed in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“The Collingwood Football Club strongly condemns the abhorrent and disgusting racist remarks directed towards Willie Rioli,” Magpies CEO Craig Kelly said in a statement.
“There is no room for racism in our game and we will not tolerate it – not on the field, off the field or online.
“All of us have a responsibility to call out this behaviour and our club is committed to playing a role in educating as many members of the wider community as possible.
“We stand alongside all First Nations players, staff and supporters.”
Collingwood has been in contact with the AFL integrity unit and Port Adelaide over the incident.
The AFL has been contacted for comment.
-with AAP