AFL crackdown as fans cop lifetime bans for vilification

Aidan Cellini

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AFL crackdown as fans cop lifetime bans for vilification image

The AFL has announced that people who are found to be responsible of vilification within the sport will receive a lifetime ban from AFL matches

So far in 2023, nine lifetime bans have been issued with a further five currently being investigated.

The previous punishment of a three-year ban has been increased ahead of the season, furthering their hard-line stance.

All nine bans were reported by patrons to either staff, security, police or an online portal.

The league also confirmed that an employee sitting within the AFL Integrity Unit will be deployed full-time to address racism and determine the appropriate punishment for the behaviour.

AFL GM of Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said the AFL was committed to work tirelessly to stamp out racism in our game.
 
“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,” said Ms Hosch.
 
“The work will not stop in this space and having a full-time resource committed to investigating incidents is going to assist greatly in our response at all levels of the game.”
 
Hosch admitted that identifying offenders and matches and online isn't an easy feat but is something the league is backing away from.
 
“It can be very difficult to find these people but on numerous occasions our Integrity officers have identified perpetrators and passed information to the police,” Hosch said.
 
“There is more work to be done, especially in the online space and we will continue to work with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner to put in place preventative strategies for online abuse, remove abusive posts and act against perpetrators.
 
“We know we still have more we can do to combat racism in the game but will continue to lobby the platforms for increased protections and penalties while building on these current actions to help promote change in our industry and society in general."

The AFL will also allow someone who's been placed of a lifetime ban to formally apply for an official review after five years, given the duration could be used to reflect and change.

“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.”

Sadly, too many AFL players are constantly targeted by fans in the stands and on social media.

The Age reported in April that the competition has responded to 23 reports of racial abuse in the season, which included Indigenous players Charlie Cameron, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Michael Walters and Nathan Wilson.

Adelaide's Izak Rankine was also targeted online, joining a chorus of players receiving unfair treatment.

Western Bulldogs' Ugle-Hagan famously took a stand of his own after some racist remarks toward the forward, which has been likened to Nicky Winmar's position in 1993.

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.