The manager of controversial Crows forward Taylor Walker, Craig Kelly, was reportedly involved in a verbal altercation with a fan in the Crows' four-point loss to Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
According to journalist Caroline Wilson, Kelly became embroiled in the spat after a fan was heard booing and using "filthy" language toward Walker.
The former captain made his return on Sunday following a six-game ban after using a racist remark towards North Adelaide player and former Saint Robbie Young in a SANFL game last year.
"I'm told the supporter was booing Taylor Walker and using some filthy language. Craig Kelly did say to this supporter, 'Taylor Walker is not a racist,' But when I spoke to Craig this afternoon, he pointed out that some of the language this man was using was absolutely disgusting," Wilson said onย Nine'sย Footy Classified.
"He was using this language around young kids, around women and men who didn't want to hear it - and I must say I've been at the footy recently and some of the language is just disgusting...just fascinating to how nasty and heated it did get from one particular supporter that Craig Kelly felt moved to get involved."
"When I spoke to Craig this afternoon he pointed out that some of the language this man was using was absolutely disgusting."
Caro reports on an incident involving player agent Craig Kelly and a crowd member during Essendon's win over Adelaide. #9FootyClassified | @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/AmJZOr7htO
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 11, 2022
Wilson also reported that an AFL integrity officer stepped in during the altercation and "left comfortable" that Kelly was "provoked" by the fan and his retaliation was justified.
Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes said that while he was comfortable with the booing towards Walker but stated that there was a line that was crossed with the language used in the argument.
"I felt fine about it. I was expecting him to be booed...he said one of the most vile things you can say to another human being," Cornes said onย Footy Classified.
"Of course, he would have expected to be booed, and he will continue to be booed.
"Now, there's a line there and you've spoken about vile language in the crowd, Caro. We all understand where that line is.
"I think (Walker) will continue to be booed."
Walker kicked four goals and had 18 disposals in the Crows' loss on Sunday, with the spearhead receiving boos from the crowd throughout the matchup.
The 31-year-old, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, was away from the club and undertook work within the indigenous community after his suspension.
