St Kilda star Paddy Ryder targeted by racist social media post

The country footy club of a man accused of posting a hateful social media post directed at Saints star Paddy Ryder has responded to the incident.

Paddy Ryder has been the subject of racial abuse on Twitter following his clash against Adelaide. He is pictured rucking against Reilly O’Brien. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

The country footy club of a man accused of directing a racist social media post at Saints star Paddy Ryder has responded to the incident.

The Leongatha Football Netball Club – based in South Gippsland – posted a statement on the club’s Facebook page on Tuesday suggesting it has dealt with the matter internally.

“Comments made by one of our members have been brought to our attention,” the statement read.

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St Kilda great and Indigenous jumper designer Nicky Winmar with (from left) Saints stars Paddy Ryder, Brad Hill, Jade Gresham and Ben Long. Picture: Michael Klein

“The member has since apologised unreservedly to Paddy Ryder and the St Kilda Football Club for their actions.

“The Leongatha Football Netball Club has also dealt with this matter internally and will make no further comment on the incident ... (the club) does not and will not condone racism or comments regarding mental health issues.”

The man – believed to be a Gold Coast Suns supporter – was widely condemned for directing a racist comment at Ryder in the wake of the Saints’ six-point loss to Adelaide.

The man, who described himself in his now-deleted Twitter profile as a Suns and Melbourne Renegades BBL supporter, made a disgusting post on social media which took aim at the indigenous Ryder and his mental health.

While the post was deleted, Ryder was alerted to a screenshot of the post and expressed his disappointment in a reply.

“Don’t be racist and don’t joke about depression please. Grow up Tim. Thanks to @SammyOverAndOut for calling it out,” Ryder posted on Twitter.

Geelong superstar and AFL Players’ Association president Patrick Dangerfield also called out the racist slur on his Instagram account, saying “You racist f#cking pig”.

Ryder’s teammate Ben Long also showed his concern, saying “when does it stop”.

AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh said the racist abuse was “unacceptable”.

“If you see it call it out. We won’t stop until racism stops,” Marsh said.

Ryder, who has also played for Essendon and Port Adelaide, took some personal leave earlier in the season to be with family with the full support of the club.

St Kilda declined to comment on Sunday night.

Originally published as St Kilda star Paddy Ryder targeted by racist social media post