AFL chief Gillon McLachlan has written an open letter to footy fans about the Adam Goodes saga.

In the letter, which appeared on the AFL website on Friday afternoon, McLachlan said the game had been hurt by the saga.

• Every AFL captain backs Adam Goodes 
• Stop booing, enough is enough
• Longmire: Goodes will play

McLachlan urged supporters to acknowledge Goodes’ standing, whether or not they felt that booing the Swans star was racist.

“To move forward we need to listen to each other, and at present that means understanding the impact this issue is having on a man who has given extraordinary service to Australian football,” McLachlan wrote.

“Whether you agree or not, the booing of Adam Goodes is perceived by him and many others as being racially motivated and that’s hurting us all.

“That is all we need to know.

“Adam is hurting, as are his family and close friends, and the game we love is hurting.

“As it has always been, it is up to us, as supporters to respond.

“It’s Australia’s game and always will be and I have no doubt supporters will follow the lead of players and coaches who acknowledge Adam Goodes as one of our great champions, and a man who commands respect.

“You respect our game too much not to.”