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Crows and Power release statements following racist allegations

Published by
Stephen Marson

Adelaide and Port Adelaide have both released statements on Tuesday morning regarding an incident that occured on Saturday night after the Showdown.

A Power supporter reportedly racially vilified Eddie Betts in a Facebook post following the match, telling him he “should go back to the zoo where him and his family belong”.

The woman spoke to the Seven Network on Monday night, and said she didn't believe him an ape was racist  “because I’m part Aboriginal myself”, but now is fears she's in danger.

“There’s been a few people that want to smash my face in and beat me and my partner up,” she said.

Both clubs are aware of the issue, and released the following statements.

Port Adelaide's statement:

The Port Adelaide Football Club is aware of media reports alleging a Port Adelaide supporter racially abused Adelaide Crows player Eddie Betts during Saturday night’s Showdown at Adelaide Oval.

The club takes the allegations very seriously and is investigating the claims with Adelaide Oval Stadium Management.

If a club Member has been found to breach Port Adelaide’s spectator code of conduct the offender’s membership can be revoked indefinitely.

Port Adelaide is also investigating claims that its own player Paddy Ryder was subject to racial taunts from an Adelaide Crows spectator during the Showdown.

Port Adelaide will make no further comment until both investigations are completed.

Adelaide's statement:

"Our Club strongly condemns any such behaviour and finds it abhorrent and disgusting.

“In listening to our playing group and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players in particular, it is clear how damaging and impactful racism is to them and their families.

“Our entire playing group and our Club stand together on this, unequivocally".

Published by
Stephen Marson