Greta player suspended after racist comments made to a Moyhu player earlier this season

A country Victorian football club has expressed its disappointment after three of its players were racially abused in the past two seasons. It comes as an opposition player was banned and issued an apology for his abuse.

Moyhu has had three racist attacks on its club in the past 12 months. Picture:Rob Leeson.

A country footy club in Victoria’s northeast has hit out after a spate of racist attacks against its players.

Moyhu president Geoff Hogan has spoken out about three incidents since the start of last season after Greta’s Josh Cleeland received a one-match suspension for racially vilifying a Moyhu player during an Ovens and King league reserves game on Good Friday.

Cleeland told his opponent “he would be back on a plane to where he came from” before he was cited after Moyhu took their case to Ovens and King officials and the AFL.

“It’s really disappointing from our club perspective, in this day and age, with all the education courses that are available and literature that is out there that this is continuing to happen,” Hogan said.

Moyhu has hit back after racism comments to one of its players. Picture: Supplied.

“This is the third case against some of our guys in the last 12 months. They are different nationalities too, one was indigenous (Australian), one was Bulgarian, the other was Chinese.

“We have a very diverse playing group, it continues to happen.”

Cleeland sat out Greta’s Round 5 game due to his suspension with a public apology issued via the Ovens and King’s social media channels on Tuesday night.

“I didn’t mean to be hurtful, but I now understand how my words could have caused harm,” he said in a statement.

“On reflection, I realise my comment was inappropriate and didn’t meet the standards expected. It was disrespectful and went against the values of respect, dignity, and inclusion that we aim to uphold.

“I take full responsibility for my actions. To those affected, I offer my sincere and unreserved apology.”

Hogan said the consistent cases of abuse were having an impact on Moyhu players.

“It’s certainly affected our players, you can see it in their demeanour at the club,” he revealed.

“That’s exactly right (they’ve lost the fun of it). There’s no justification for it whatsoever.”

The Hoppers president said the club and players made sure this incident was in the public spotlight.

“Our players definitely wanted to go down the official channels to call it out,” Hogan said.

“Otherwise the wider community doesn’t know it is going on.

“I just really hope that people have learnt enough and can respect all races and nationalities.

“We just don’t need it in football or society.”

Hogan said while he didn’t agree with the week suspension the players involved were satisfied Cleeland made an apology.

Greta Football Netball Club, the Ovens and King league and AFL North East Border have been contacted for further comment.

Ovens and King declined to comment on the incident further.

Originally published as Greta player suspended after racist comments made to a Moyhu player earlier this season