The AFL has announced footy fans who racially abuse players at games will now be slapped with a lifetime ban.
Nine lifetime bans have been handed out during the 2023 season already, following four reports of racism at the MCG, two at the SCG from the one incident, one at Adelaide Oval, one at Marvel Stadium and one at UTAS Stadium in Launceston.
AFL fans who racially abuse players at matches will be banned from attending games for life.Credit: Getty Images
The nine men banned for life are aged between 18 and 72.
Five other spectators are having their conduct investigated.
Previously, those found to have engaged in racist behaviour at football matches received a three-year ban.
AFL inclusion and social policy general manager Tanya Hosch said the severe penalty was an appropriate punishment for racist conduct.
“We have been clear, there is absolutely no place for this behaviour in our sport and in society in general, and we want people to know that if they behave in this way, they are not welcome at the footy again,” she said.
Hosch said the league was working with the national eSafety Commissioner to create more preventative strategies to counter online abuse.
The AFL did not detail what measures it would take to keep those banned for life out of stadiums.
A full-time staff member will be added to the AFL’s integrity unit specifically to investigate racism and vilification cases, at both the elite and community levels of the game.
People who are hit with a lifetime ban can formally apply for an official review after a minimum of five years.
Hosch said the ban review system meant patrons could “reflect and take the opportunity to change their racist views”.
“Our main aim is to prevent these acts ever happening, and we believe education and the opportunity to influence their understanding is a key component to that, so if people are willing to be educated, we would be happy to reconsider their return to the footy,” she said.
Other Australian football codes are also grappling with how to respond to racial vilification at major sporting events.
Earlier this week, the NRL opted not to impose a life ban on a teenage spectator who allegedly racially abused South Sydney player Latrell Mitchell. The teen won’t be allowed back at games until he makes an apology and takes steps to address his behaviour, according to the NRL.
The young fan, who was wearing a Roosters jersey when he allegedly abused Mitchell during a game against Penrith in March, fled the scene after the incident. The NRL’s integrity unit completed its investigation after NSW Police issued the teen with a warning.
More to come
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