AFLW 2023: Gillon McLachlan apologises to Brisbane Lions fan forced to remove a T-shirt showing support for the Yes movement
Gillon McLachlan has apologised to an AFLW fan who was forced to remove a T-shirt supporting the Yes movement at a Brisbane Lions’ match.
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AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has apologised to an AFL Women’s fan who was forced to remove a T-shirt showing support for the Yes movement at a game at Springfield on Sunday.
The Brisbane Lions fan, named Michelle, has detailed her account of attempting to enter the ground while wearing the shirt and said security at the ground made her take it off, claiming it was making a “political statement”.
The AFL conditions of entry contained in the terms and conditions of tickets includes policies relating to political statements.
“That was a mistake by the security guard — that should not have happened,” McLachlan said.
“I apologise to the AFLW supporter who was there. It should not have happened.”
The Brisbane Lions – which has apologised to the member involved – were contacted for comment on Monday morning and confirmed that the security on the day were “overzealous”.
“We’re aware of the incident and have contacted the patron to apologise,” the Lions said.
The woman had detailed her account on social media.
“I just got refused entry by security from (the Brisbane Lions AFLW) game because I was wearing a YES T-shirt,” Michelle wrote.
“(They said) ‘no political statements’.
“I’ve worn this shirt to the Gabba (with) no probs. “Security wouldn’t let me wear my hoodie over the top. They also said I couldn’t turn the shirt inside out to wear.”
The woman said she was “in tears” at the time over the incident.
“Thankfully a lovely woman in line came over and offered me a spare shirt,” Michelle wrote.
“Her and her partner even walked back to the train station with me so I could change in the toilets there.
“I’m so confused as I thought Brisbane Lions had come out in support of the Voice.”
She also said that another woman at the same game had been forced to remove “Yes” earrings.
Michelle later said that she had been contacted by the club and been informed that it had been a case of “third party security being overzealous with generic guidelines” and assured that it would not happen in the future.
Conditions of entry to AFL and AFLW games state that patrons agree “not to … wear or display commercial, political, religious or offensive signage or logos of any kind”.
The league and its clubs have been open in their support of the indigenous Voice to Parliament campaign with the referendum vote to be held on October 14.
“People who are expressing their own views coming to games in a T-shirt — it’s absolutely their right to do that,” McLachlan said on Monday.
The league has ruled out promoting the Voice on grand final day or at any other final.
“What we’ve said, though, is that the games themselves will not be available for either side,” he said.
“We’ve made our position clear and now we want the finals football to speak for itself like it’s doing. The football’s been amazing and the crowds have been incredible.”
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Originally published as AFLW 2023: Gillon McLachlan apologises to Brisbane Lions fan forced to remove a T-shirt showing support for the Yes movement
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