Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) chief executive David Sharpe says athletes guilty of racism should face the same lengthy penalties given to fans in similar situations.
The AFL is facing a new class action alleging historic racism of North Melbourne’s Indigenous Krakouer brothers, Jim and Phil, in the 1980s.
North Melbourne legends Jim (left) and Phil Krakouer claim the AFL was negligent in handling of racism in the sport. Source: AAP / Hamish Blair
The class action lodged in the Victorian Supreme Court last Tuesday alleges the Krakouers were vilified by identities including former Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy, who has denied the allegations.
When documents for the class action were first lodged last year, Phil Krakouer told the ABC the AFL was aware of the racist treatment of players but failed to act.
“For decades, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of colour have been racially abused while playing AFL, and we feel the AFL sat back and watched it all go by,” he said.
The AFL action came in the same week Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu apologised to Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam for making a racist remark during last Sunday’s NRL match in Las Vegas.
“If the comments offend an individual, they also offend their families, their countries, their culture.
However, former high-profile NRL players, Brad Fittler and Paul Gallen have instead criticised those publicly calling out racism and supporting Ezra Mam.
“If you want to support Ezra, ring him up. Go and see him. That’s how you support someone.”
-With additional reporting from AAP