AFL integrity unit investigating crowd abuse that left Brisbane star Dakota Davidson in tears

The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating reports of crowd abuse that left Dakota Davidson visibly upset and consoled by teammates during Brisbane’s win over St Kilda on Sunday.

Dakota Davidson of the Lions. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating reports of crowd abuse that left Dakota Davidson in tears during Brisbane’s win against St Kilda on Sunday.

While it’s unclear exactly what the spectator said just before three-quarter-time at RSEA Park, it’s been reported to be in reference to Davidson’s appearance. The Lions spearhead was visibly upset during the final break and was consoled by teammates.

The AFL has confirmed that the matter is being investigated by its Integrity Unit.

Brisbane said it was grateful for the timely manner in which the incident was addressed. It’s believed that the offending patron was ejected from the game.

Dakota Davidson at three quarter time. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Dakota Davidson was consoled by teammates at three quarter time against St Kilda. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“The club was made aware of an incident between a patron and Dakota Davidson during the match against St Kilda yesterday,” the Lions said. “The club would like to thank the match manager, St Kilda players, staff and fans along with the security at the venue who dealt with the incident, the matter has been referred to the AFL Integrity unit.”

Davidson has previously spoken about how she’s been subject to abuse on social media due to her appearance.

The 25-year-old kicked two goals in the final quarter of Brisbane’s grand final win against North Melbourne last year after battling a knee injury in the lead-up. But instead of focusing on her matchwinning performance, trolls took aim at her image.

“I obviously had a lot of success on grand final day,” Davidson told the Keegan and Company podcast in July. “One of my photos was the front cover of a news article. I scrolled through the comments and it was all ‘He’s the best one out there,’ ‘He won them the game,’ ‘Good on him, ‘He grew a leg when it was needed.’

“I’ve just copped a lot. It wasn’t just that game. It’s every game.

“It just gets frustrating because I’m actually really proud of how I look, how I present myself and who I am.

“Now I have games and I make an effort to point out little girls with short hair because I know that they see me and think ‘Daks has short hair, I can have short hair too.’”

Originally published as AFL integrity unit investigating crowd abuse that left Brisbane star Dakota Davidson in tears