The threat of sexual violence contained in a racist message sent to Port Adelaide player Jase Burgoyne has escalated toxic trolling to “another level”, according to the club’s general manager. Concerns have also been raised that sports betting is intensifying the vitriol directed at players.
Over the weekend, Burgoyne and St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera became the latest AFL players to publicly address the racist abuse they received from online trolls. Both clubs have expressed their support for the players, who are considering possible next steps, including involving the police.
Chris Davies, Port Adelaide’s general manager of football, described the messages as “disgusting” and “vile”. He emphasized the club’s commitment to supporting Burgoyne in “whatever he wants to do”, which may include reporting the matter to law enforcement.
The AFL, along with the clubs, has condemned the abuse. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon criticized the “cowardly” trolls who “hide behind” fake social media accounts, stating, “Our game does not want you.”
Impact of Sports Betting on Player Abuse
The messages to Burgoyne and Wanganeen-Milera included references to their performance statistics, prompting questions about the role of sports betting in fueling such toxic behavior. Davies acknowledged the impact of gambling on the level of anonymous aggression towards players.
He recounted an instance involving former Power players Trent McKenzie and Charlie Dixon, where they received abusive messages from individuals who had bet on the game’s outcome. “It was just phenomenal listening to it,” Davies said, highlighting the disturbing nature of modern societal reactions.
“That’s real, [based on] the number of peanuts I’ve seen messages from over time,” Davies remarked, pointing to the pervasive issue of betting-related abuse.
AFL’s Stance on Racism and Abuse
The AFL has been vocal in its stance against racism and abuse, with Dillon reiterating that “real fans don’t racially abuse players.” The league has declared that there is no place for such behavior in the sport or society.
Willie Rioli, another AFL player, recently spoke about the challenges he faced due to racism and off-field drama, admitting he considered retiring from the sport. These incidents underscore the ongoing work required to combat racism within the AFL.
Davies suggested that the AFL could respond with greater vigor, stating, “Into the future, the AFL will be doing more than what they are right now.” He emphasized the need for the league to assist clubs in addressing these issues more effectively.
Next Steps and Broader Implications
Conversations are ongoing between the AFL, clubs, and police authorities to address the issue of online abuse. Davies mentioned discussions with South Australian police and similar conversations happening across other states.
The broader implications of this situation highlight the need for systemic changes, possibly including legal reforms, to better protect players from such abuse. As the AFL and clubs work towards resolving these issues, the focus remains on ensuring a safer environment for all players.
The ABC has reached out to the AFL for further comment, reflecting the continued attention and urgency surrounding this matter.
