On a recent Sunday, Elise Read, a dedicated Brisbane Lions supporter, was excited to attend an AFLW match. However, her enthusiasm was short-lived when she was pulled out of the queue for wearing a “History is Calling” T-shirt, a garment supporting the Voice to Parliament referendum. A security guard informed her that the shirt was “too political” for the event, leaving her stunned and disheartened.
“I drove 40 minutes and purchased a ticket. Is this really happening?” Read questioned, bewildered by the incident. She was eventually allowed entry after changing her shirt, but the experience left her emotionally distressed.
The AFL and the Brisbane Lions were quick to apologize on Monday, acknowledging that the incident was a mistake. Gillon McLachlan, the AFL’s CEO, clarified that their policy against “commercial, political, religious or offensive signage or logos” did not apply to Read’s T-shirt. “People have the right to express their views through clothing at our games,” he stated.
The incident has sparked conversations about the role of political expression in sports, especially given the AFL’s rich Indigenous history. “Dakota Davidson, an Indigenous player, is our favorite. What if my shirt was a way to support her and other Indigenous players?” Read pondered.
The “History is Calling” T-shirt is part of the Uluru Dialogue’s campaign for the Voice to Parliament referendum. Even Linda Burney, the federal minister for Indigenous Australians, wore the shirt at a ‘Yes’ rally in Melbourne.
Another fan, Michelle, shared a similar experience. A foundation member of the club, she was also denied entry for wearing the same shirt. “I was shocked and angry,” she said, attributing the incident to a single security guard’s personal agenda.
The Brisbane Lions acknowledged the overreach, stating that an “overzealous contracted security guard” was responsible. “We have contacted the patrons to apologize,” a spokesperson confirmed.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding the Voice to Parliament referendum, which aims to give Indigenous Australians a say in matters affecting them. It also raises questions about the extent to which political expression should be allowed in sporting events, a domain often considered neutral ground.
The Brisbane Lions, who recently moved their home ground, had around 2,582 fans in attendance that Sunday. They defeated the Sydney Swans by 55 points, but the victory was overshadowed by the controversy, which will likely prompt a reevaluation of policies concerning political expression at AFL games.
