Australia Diamonds slam racist abuse of Indigenous star

The fallout to Netball Australia’s Hancock Prospecting sponsorship saga has taken an ugly turn for the worse.

Australia’s Diamonds netball team have hit out at racist online abuse faced by star Indigenous player Donnell Wallam as the fallout to the Hancock Prospecting sponsorship saga takes an ugly turn for the worse.

Wallam produced a stunning debut on Wednesday night when she cast aside the controversy of the sponsorship saga to score the matchwinning goal over England.

The proud Noongar woman had been the unwitting face of the Hancock Prospecting decision to withdraw its $15 million sponsorship offer after she objected to wearing the logo of the company founded by a man whose comments about “sterilising” Aboriginies in the 1980s were so personally hurtful.

In a stunning 10-minute cameo, Wallam converted all eight of her attempts on goal, including an audacious lay-up in the final seconds that broke the locked scores and handed the Diamonds a 55-54 victory.

Donnell Wallam produced a stunning debut for Australia, including scoring the winning goal. Picture: Getty Images

But, as happens on social media, not all the responses were supportive and it prompted a fierce rebuke from the Diamonds on Friday.

“We are appalled by the online abuse directed at our players on social media,” the Diamonds said in a Twitter post.

“As a netball community we strongly condemn racism and all other forms of personal abuse.

“These ongoing attacks are hurtful, divisive and won’t be tolerated. They need to stop.

“Netball Australia has and will continue to report all anti-social behaviour to the relevant authorities.”

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— Origin Australian Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) October 28, 2022

The Diamonds post comes just hours after Fox Sports commentator Matt Russell issued his own apology after fans were upset with his live call of the magical moment.

“Wallam to win it for Australia,” Russell says as Wallam gets the ball for her matchwinning shot.

“Could you have written that if you tried? Donnell Wallam, on debut, cheered on by a sold out crowd.

“In the eyes of some, she’s cost Australian netball millions, in the eyes of others, she’s just won them a Test.

“Sport is the most magnificent theatre. It’s the ultimate reality television. Nobody knows what’s going to happen. You would never have believed that could happen. Injected in the fourth quarter. Game on the line and with the most trademark Donnell Wallam shot she sends Australia 1-0 ahead.”

Donnell Wallam of Australia warms up before game one of the International Test series between the Australia Diamonds and England Roses at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on October 26, 2022 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Calls for Russell to be dumped from netball commentary, or axed altogether dominated Twitter for hours after the match, with viewers fuming, while social media replays of Wallam’s heroics had the offending audio cut.

Russell apologised on social media late on Thursday night after spending the day in discussions with Indigenous leaders and Wallam.

“Spent the day marveling @DonnellWallam’s strength and resilience last night,” Russell said of Wednesday’s call.

“To call her moment, in an instant, I wanted to neutrally portray what “SOME SAY” about her … and how, despite all that, she emerged spectacularly triumphant on debut, despite it all. Sorry to those who have been distracted from Donnell’s success and the Diamonds’ win. It was humbling/heartening to speak/message with indigenous (sic) leaders/Donnell today. I look forward to calling the Aussie Men on Sunday in Sydney and Women next Thursday in Brisbane. It’s a privilege.”

To some though, Russell has just thrown fuel on the fire with his “non apology”, with several fans even calling his statement “very gaslighty”.

Wallam will line up in the second Test against the Roses in Sydney on Sunday.

Originally published as Australia Diamonds slam racist abuse of Indigenous star