Port Adelaide bans fan ‘indefinitely’ after banana allegedly thrown at Eddie Betts
THE Port Adelaide member who was filmed throwing a banana at Eddie Betts late in Saturday night’s Showdown has been banned “indefinitely” from Power games. VIDEO, AUDIO, PICS
THE Port Adelaide member who was filmed throwing a banana at Eddie Betts late in Saturday night’s Showdown has been banned “indefinitely” from Power games.
A female Port fan threw a projectile at Betts following the brilliant forward’s fifth goal with 10 seconds remaining in Adelaide’s Showdown win.
Port Adelaide today announced the ban, after an investigation into the incident.
“After talking to witnesses it is clear that the offender’s behaviour was racially motivated and is therefore a significant breach of the club’s values and spectator code of conduct,” the club said in a press release.
“Port Adelaide will meet with the offender in the coming days to offer her an opportunity to take part in the club’s industry leading Aboriginal cultural awareness programs.
“As part of this program Port Adelaide’s Aboriginal programs manager Paul Vandenbergh and the club’s seven Aboriginal players would educate her on cultural issues that continue to have an impact on the Aboriginal community today and the hurt which actions such as hers cause others.”
Earlier, Port president David Koch had threatened a lifetime ban if the incident was found to be a case of racial abuse.
“We will revoke her membership,” he said.
“It’s against the law No.1 and against our code of conduct.
“She looks like a mid-20-year-old lady and until we talk to her we won’t know if the severity of the penalty needs to be extended.”
Asked if the act was racially motivated Koch said: “I hope not, if it is the club would be appalled.”
“If the motivation was racial then our actions will be incredibly severe.
We would like other members sitting in that area to contact the club.
“It’s distressing it is such a young person. From the footage it looks like a piece of fruit, a banana.”
Footage posted on Facebook (see footage above) appears to show a female Port fan throwing a banana at Betts who celebrated a matchwinning five goals in his 250th game.
She also has been accused of mouthing the word “monkey”.
Fellow forward Josh Jenkins is seen to intercept a projectile and confirmed it was a banana.
Throwing bananas at black players has been notorious as a racist attack in European and English football since the 1970s and ’80s.
Earlier, Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority chief executive officer Andrew Daniels branded the incident “appalling and totally unacceptable”, as outrage grew over the incident.
Mr Daniels told The Advertiser that throwing objects at players had the potential to ignite fights, violence and other unacceptable behaviour.
“The Adelaide Oval takes these matters very seriously. Racial vilification is totally unacceptable,” Mr Daniels said.
“Whether or not it is racially motivated, the hurling of objects is absolutely banned at the Adelaide Oval.
“It’s an incredibly stupid thing to do and will not be tolerated at the Adelaide Oval.”
Mr Daniels said stadium authorities would enforce a ban, if that penalty was imposed on the spectator by Port Adelaide and the AFL. Any total ban from Oval events, if requested, would be discussed with Cricket Australia.
“It’s one thing to barrack vigorously for your team but people who take it too far must face the consequences,” Mr Daniels said.
He said the CCTV footage would be made available to police, if that was necessary.
“We will examine any footage and comment when we have all details before us,” a Port Adelaide spokesman said earlier.
“An investigation will be undertaken on Sunday morning to clarify any event.”
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An SA Police spokeswoman said no complaints had been received about the incident and it was being handled, at this stage, by the clubs and AFL.
It is believed some Port Adelaide supporters may have already identified the woman. A post on The Alberton Crowd Facebook page says: “To the idiot who thought it would be a great idea to throw a banana at eddie betts, well done. You’ve now tainted all Port fans with the same brush and we will hear about how feral we are all week.”
“Please never, ever come to a game again. Stay home, we don’t need fans like you at our games.”
It’s understood Port Aboriginal programs manager Paul Vandenbergh posted footage of the act against Betts, a respected mentor for Aboriginal players in the AFL.
Sydney champion Adam Goodes - another indigenous superstar - experienced vilification in a disappointing end to his career.
Adelaide was furious at the treatment of Betts in his 250 milestone game.
“The Adelaide Football Club is both disappointed and disgusted at the behaviour of some members of the crowd during tonight’s Showdown at Adelaide Oval. Of particular concern, an object was thrown onto the field of play and in the direction of one of our players’” said a Crows spokesman.
Chief executive Andrew Fagan and Crows player Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker also have taken to Twitter to vent their outrage.
Fagan called the incident “abhorrent” and “disgusting”, saying: “Expect strongest possible action to be taken against those throwing objects at our players.”
While Walker tweeted: “Absolutely disgusting! Shouldn't ever be allowed back into enjoy the football. Very disappointing.”
The Club has contacted the Port Adelaide Football Club, Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority and AFL, and has expressed in the strongest possible terms that we expect significant action to be taken against any person found guilty of anti-social behaviour.”
Early on Sunday morning, Port Adelaide issued a press release expressing its anger at the incident.
“The Port Adelaide Football Club is aware of a social media video showing a spectator throwing an object onto the field in the direction of Adelaide Crows players late in the final quarter of last night’s Showdown,” it said.
“Port Adelaide is appalled by the vision and will not tolerate this type of anti-social behaviour at its games.
“Any object thrown onto the field in the direction of players, coaches or umpires is completely unacceptable and the club will conduct a full investigation in the coming days.
“Port Adelaide implemented a spectator code of conduct in 2014 for all its members and supporters to ensure Adelaide Oval is a family friendly environment at its games.”
The AFL also issued a statement on Sunday, condemning the incident.
“The AFL has been in contact with the Port Adelaide FC this morning after a crowd incident at last night’s round 22 match involving Adelaide Crows’ player Eddie Betts,” the statement said.
The AFL abhors anti-social behaviour and has informed the club it will provide whatever assistance is required for the club to deal with the matter.
The AFL wishes to repeat for the record that such behaviour in any form will not be tolerated and the game must be a welcoming environment for all players and supporters.”
Premier Jay Weatherill, a Port supporter who was at Saturday night’s Showdown, declared throwing a banana at Betts appeared to be a particularly nasty form of racist comment.
“I was at the game last night and I think I can speak for the vast majority of Port fans when I say we were all shaking our heads in disbelief at Eddie Betts’ skills and flair,” Mr Weatherill said.
“He won the game single handed - he is a rolled gold champion.
“As for the idiot who thought throwing a banana was funny, it wasn’t. It appears this was just a particularly nasty form of racist comment.
“I am pleased the club has taken strong and immediate action.”