Why this 13-year-old child's mistake is the wake-up call the AFL needed

MARK Robinson on what the AFL needs to do to rid this great game of racism once and for all.

Adam Goodes

THIS 13-year-old girl should not be held up as the poster child for racism.

Despite the AFL believing it is an isolated incident, sadly it is not - and she shouldn't be public enemy No.1.

North Melbourne's Majak Daw was subjected to similar abuse earlier in the season and the two perps were evicted from Etihad Stadium.

The girl on Friday night was also evicted, but the difference was she was front and square on television, watched by up to 1.5 million viewers.

Sydney's Adam Goodes yesterday said it wasn't the first time he had been called an "ape" or a "monkey".

The AFL is a world leader with its racial vilification stance, and its education and counselling policy is to be applauded.

Even Goodes yesterday said, after receiving a phone call from the girl, that she needed support.

It was a mature response from Goodes, and a mature response from the girl.

She did wrong and apologised.

However, the issue does not go away.

Racists, if caught, are kicked out of the stadium and clubs threaten to strip them of memberships - but the AFL should look at greater penalties.

On Friday, UEFA and its member national associations in Europe adopted a series of resolutions to eliminate racism from soccer.

They included:

REFEREES stopping, suspending or even abandoning a match if racist incidents occur.

ANY player or team official found guilty of racist conduct must be suspended for at least 10 matches.

IF supporters of a club or national team engage in racist behaviour this must be sanctioned (for a first offence) with a partial stadium closure concerning the section where the racist incident occurred. For a second offence,

this must be sanctioned with a full stadium closure, as well as a financial penalty.

IN addition, supporters found guilty of racist behaviour should be banned from attending matches.

CLUBS are required to run awareness programs.

PLAYERS and coaches must be leaders in the fight against racism.

They are drastic moves, and AFL fans will likely say they are not needed here.

But enough is enough.

How appalling it was to have Goodes abused by a girl who believed it acceptable to use the term "ape".

And during Indigenous Round.

Again, she is not entirely to blame.

Her environment - be it at the footy, home, or at school, or all three combined - hasn't worked hard enough to teach her right from wrong, and the pain caused by such a comment.

I can't speak for home or school, but football crowds remain an issue.

Every week on Sunday night, The Tackle column, which I write, asks for fans to tweet their likes and dislikes from the round.

And every week among the goals, marks, and personal performances from players and coaches, I receive tweets about racism.

Often those who tweet offer aisle number, row letter and seat number. Always, they name which club the racist supports.

The AFL fights the fight, but can't accept Friday night's incident is isolated.

If by chance there was a camera and microphone on every seat at the MCG hundreds, if not thousands, would be evicted from the stadiums.

Goodes' stance on Friday night will be remembered as a heroic action, just as Nicky Winmar's was 20 years ago.

The key statement there is "20 years ago"

Despite education and counselling, racism continues at AFL games.

It's time the AFL became a greater leader in the fight.

For starters, instigate penalties for clubs to help promote more action from them, which promotes greater education for their fans.

If it continues, then look at the "drastic" action.

In the meantime, significant action could be taken.

In 1997, major league baseball in the US retired No.42 across all teams in honour of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play professional baseball.

He ended racial segregation, which is considered not only a monumental moment in American sport, but American history.

Respected ABC radio commentator Francis Leach was so moved on Friday night he suggested something similar happen in the AFL.

In the week Winmar returned to Victoria Park to talk about his stance against racism, Leach said the No.7 should be retired in honour of Winmar, which would be a reference point for everyone.

It's not the silliest commentary offered in the past 36 hours.