Fremantle Dockers

“Unnecessary and disgusting”: Fremantle duo Nathan Wilson and Michael Walters subject to racist slurs

“Individuals that hide behind fake accounts to hurt others are pathetic.”

Published by
Bryn Wakefield

Fremantle has been forced to release a statement condemning racist, homophobic comments aimed at Indigenous Australian players Nathan Wilson and Michael Walters.

The attacks occurred on social media and were reported to the AFL Integrity Unit, which will look to identify the perpetrators.

CEO Simon Garlick was outspoken in his disappointment and appalled by the remarks made towards the First Nations men.

"This unnecessary and disgusting abuse should not happen and it saddens me, and everyone at our Club, that it does," he stated.

"Individuals that hide behind fake accounts to hurt others are pathetic and we need to be able to curb this capability on social platforms.

"The Club, and no doubt the broader Freo family, will get around the players and their families to ensure they have the support they need and deserve.

"In the meantime, I urge fans to use this conversation to call out racist and homophobic slurs for the abhorrent and archaic discourse that it is.

"It has no place in our game or in our community… enough is enough."

Indigenous footballer Izak Rankine was also subject to racial abuse online, with the Adelaide Crows releasing a similar statement on Monday.

The set of incidents comes after young First Nations star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan experienced racial attacks during and after the Bulldogs' game against St Kilda in Round 2.

The 21-year-old responded with a powerful recreation of Nicky Winmar's famous stand against racism, lifting his jumper and pointing to his skin after his first goal against Brisbane.

Published by
Bryn Wakefield