The Adelaide Football Club has expressed strong support for the ban imposed on a fan who racially abused Crows midfielder Izak Rankine. The incident occurred on social media and involved a Brisbane Lions member, whose membership has since been canceled by the Lions.
The timing of the incident, coinciding with NAIDOC Week—a celebration of Indigenous culture—adds to the disappointment of the situation. The Adelaide Crows have been working closely with the AFL’s Integrity Department and the Brisbane Lions to address the issue.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 07: Izak Rankine of the Crows celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 17 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows at The Gabba on July 07, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Crows CEO Tim Silvers emphasized the importance of addressing and eradicating racism. “There is no place for racism of any kind in society, and it is extremely sad and disappointing that we find ourselves dealing with yet another abhorrent attack on one of our players,” Silvers said.
He praised Brisbane’s swift action and highlighted the collective responsibility within the industry to combat racism. “We support Brisbane which has acted swiftly and decisively. It is also important we take the time to understand the hurt this behavior causes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
The Adelaide Football Club is committed to supporting Rankine and his family during this time and continues to work towards eliminating racism in football and the wider community.
