By Roy Ward and Peter Ryan
In today’s AFL briefing, your daily wrap of footy news:
- Investigation underway into racist abuse of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
- Saints skipper Steele sidelined for four weeks after playing on with fractured collarbone.
The Western Bulldogs and St Kilda have condemned racist abuse directed at young Dogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan during and after their match on Saturday night.
The 20-year-old forward had abuse aimed at him from a St Kilda fan in the crowd, and copped further taunts on social media following the match, which the Saints won by 51 points.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (left) during warm-ups for Saturday night’s match.Credit: AFL Photos
The Bulldogs contacted the AFL integrity department and St Kilda said it was investigating the matter and working to identify the people involved, particularly the fan at the game responsible for the racist abuse.
The AFL said racism was inexcusable, notifying fans that its integrity unit now accepts vilification reports online.
“Racism of any kind does not belong in our game, nor in our society. We cannot tolerate it,” the Bulldogs said in their statement on Sunday.
“Comments like these are extremely upsetting and cause significant hurt and harm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They are said to intentionally harm, and we continue to be confronted by them as a community.
“We’re saddened by the constant need to reinforce the negative impact this has on the individuals concerned, and all First Nations people.
“We will continue to make a stand and call out this behaviour, and use our voice to further educate our fans and the wider community.
“The club is supporting Jamarra, his family, and others within the club who have justifiably been impacted by this event.”
In its statement, the AFL emphasised its support of Ugle-Hagan.
“Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is a young 20-year-old player trying to forge a career as an AFL footballer. An impressive young man in which part of his pride and strength comes from his family,” the league said. “We stand with his family in calling out the racist comments, comments that cause significant hurt and harm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“The AFLIU (integrity unit) has been contacted by both the Western Bulldogs and the St Kilda Football club[s] and will now work with both clubs to provide support for those impacted and investigate the matter, working towards identifying the individuals concerned.”
St Kilda said it was working to identify the fan and offered support to Ugle-Hagan and others affected by the abuse.
“The club takes these matters incredibly seriously and condemns vilification of any kind,” St Kilda said in a statement.
“To be repeatedly addressing these repugnant instances of racism is a blight on our game and society. We will continue to stamp out and call out this unacceptable behaviour by having these important conversations, as well as make ongoing education available for the wider community.
“As a club, we are committed to building greater awareness of the harm caused through comments such as these.
“Both clubs are working with AFL Integrity to investigate the matter further and identify those concerned. Importantly, we will work closely with the Western Bulldogs and the AFL to ensure those impacted are supported.
“We will not stand for this.”
Dr Dvir Abramovich, the chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission said he was “sickened to the stomach by this evil,”
“This individual must be banned for life from attending any sporting matches, and if they are a member of an AFL club, immediately be shown the door.” he said
Saints skipper Steele to miss a month with a fractured collarbone
Peter Ryan
St Kilda skipper Jack Steele will have surgery on Monday to fix a fractured collarbone that is expected to keep him out for the next four weeks.
The 27-year-old played out the match after picking up the injury – a big effort as he led the Saints to an upset win over the Western Bulldogs – but he will be sorely missed in the next month.
A fractured collarbone will keep Jack Steele out for a month.Credit: Getty
However, the Saints have overcome a long injury list in the first two rounds with strong wins over Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs in an outstanding start to Ross Lyon’s return as senior coach.
It was a brave performance from Steele, who left the ground in the third quarter, but his injury means he will miss Saturday night’s blockbuster against Essendon; the game billed as the centrepiece of the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Football manager David Misson said Steele’s leadership was evident when he played out the game.
“Jack’s as courageous as they come, and to play out the game with a broken collarbone was a fantastic effort,” Misson said.
“We’re looking at a four-week recovery window for Jack.
“As we’ve seen with our playing list so far this season, while injuries aren’t ideal, all we can control is our response. I’m sure another player will step up in Jack’s absence and seize the opportunity to contribute to the team.
“We’re hopeful that Jimmy Webster and Jack Bytel could be in the frame for a return this week, but we’ll just monitor their progress during the week and be guided by the medical advice.”
The Saints have been outstanding in the first two rounds winning despite missing Max King, Jack Billings, Tim Membrey and Nick Coffield to injury.
Meanwhile, Richmond confirmed Dustin Martin went for precautionary scans on his hamstring on Sunday. Martin was subbed out of the Tigers’ win on Saturday as a precautionary measure. He is expected to be monitored at training this week ahead of the huge clash against Collingwood on Friday night.
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