West Coast players to wrap their arms around Liam Ryan following online racist attack

West Coast forward Oscar Allen has come out in support of Eagles flag hero Liam Ryan, who was subjected to a vile racist attack on social media last week.

Liam Ryan returned to West Coast training on Monday. Picture: AAP Images

West Coast forward Oscar Allen says the players are wrapping their arms around Liam Ryan after he was subjected to a vile racist attack on social media last week.

Ryan was live streaming on Instagram last Thursday night when a follower posted a racist comment about the AFL goalsneak’s daughter.

It’s not the first time the 23-year-old has been subjected to online abuse, and the AFL and West Coast have strongly condemned the latest attack.

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Ryan was present for the club’s first day of pre-season on Monday, and Allen said the playing group have been quick to offer their support.

“Liam’s a really good family man and a great person, so it’s really sad he has to deal with anything like that,” Allen said.

“Any form of racial vilification is taking it too far. I don’t think it should matter if it’s towards the child or him.

Liam Ryan returned to West Coast training on Monday. Picture: AAP Images

“He’s in good spirits. He was disappointed, but he’s pretty thick skinned. He’s been through a lot in his life.

“Probably educating people is a big thing. I don’t want it to happen. We love Liam, we love all of our Indigenous players. They’re a great part of our culture here.”

Star recruit Tim Kelly got his first taste of life as an Eagles player when he joined the club’s first-to-fourth year players at training on Monday. Kelly will join a star-studded midfield featuring Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff, Elliot Yeo, Dom Sheed, and Jack Redden in season 2020.

The former Cats ace is already a star of the AFL but Allen said it was too hard to quantify how much Kelly’s arrival will boost West Coast’s premiership hopes.

“One thing we’re big on is playing our roles,” Allen said.

“Tim’s an excellent user of the ball. All of our midfielders are – Luke Shuey, Jack Redden, Elliot Yeo – they all use the ball well and look after us.

“I’m just excited to have him out there. He just seems like a ripping bloke, so can’t wait to get to know him more off field as well.”

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Allen played 21 games last season but missed the finals due to fitness and form.

The 20-year-old swingman battled a knee injury towards the tail-end of last season, and was forced to undergo surgery after the Eagles lost their semi-final clash to Geelong.

Allen now stands at 194cm – up from 191cm two years ago – and said he is focusing on adding on more weight.

Originally published as West Coast players to wrap their arms around Liam Ryan following online racist attack