Adelaide Football Club speaks out against hate group targeting LGBTQIA+ supporters, Rainbow Crows

The Adelaide Football Club has hit back at a hate group that has taken to social media to target LGBTIQA+ supporters.

A hate group targeting the Rainbow Crows has been slammed by the Adelaide Football Club.

The Adelaide Football Club has slammed a “discriminatory” hate group targeting LGBTQIA+ supporters organisation the Rainbow Crows.

The hate group became a public Facebook Page on February 19, with its initial post saying “DOWN WITH THE RAINBOW CROWS”.

But the hateful comments have only made the supporter group “more determined than ever to be loud, proud and visible for those who are unable to be”.

“The creation of this hate group has proven to us how important groups like ours and the other queer supporter groups are,” the Rainbow Crows said in a public statement.

“Our main goal has always been to make football a safe place for members of our community to be, it is clear we still have some work to do.”

Former Crows captain Chelsea Randall wearing the pride guernsey for the first time in club history in 2021. Pictured with Rainbow Crows supporters Brett McAloney (He/Him) and Megan Harris (They/Them) at West Lakes. Picture: Tom Huntley

Hitting back at the hate group, the club “strongly condemns any form of discriminatory behaviour”.

“There is no place for it in football, let alone in the community,” an Adelaide Football Club spokesman said.

“We want a safe and inclusive environment which is welcoming of everyone, so as many people as possible can enjoy a great game.”

Despite the Rainbow Crows calling to report the hate group, it was still live as of Wednesday.

The forming of the hate group came just a couple of weeks after a Facebook page calling itself “South Australia’s number 1 sports media company for all football, cricket and community sport” was called out for sexist posts.

Pictures of cleaning items were posted along with the caption: “Friday is Valentine’s Day. We’re sure you’ve already been to the Hardware store, to pick out the “perfect gift” for the little lady in your life.”

Former state league netballer now footballer Cath Quinn spoke out about the post, as well as the SANFL.

The post was removed on Monday.

“I just want people to keep calling this stuff out from a place of strength,” Quinn said.

Originally published as Adelaide Football Club speaks out against hate group targeting LGBTQIA+ supporters, Rainbow Crows