Jeff Kennett, Patrick Dangerfield stand up for Gary Ablett after fans boo star at MCG

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has stood up for Geelong champion Gary Ablett after he was booed by fans at the MCG yesterday and teammate Patrick Dangerfield said the “comical” noise would not stop the Little Master.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has slammed fans who booed Geelong champion Gary Ablett on the weekend.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has stood up for Geelong champion Gary Ablett after he was relentlessly booed by fans at the MCG yesterday.

And teammate Patrick Dangerfield said the “comical” boos would not stop the Little Master.

Ablett was at his brilliant best in the face of the booing, booting three goals and collecting 23 disposals in the Cats’ 23-point win over the Hawks.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has slammed fans who booed Geelong champion Gary Ablett on the weekend.

While it is open to interpretation, Kennett believed the speculation that fans had taken umbrage at Ablett liking Israel Folau’s controversial homophobic social media post on Instagram on April 10.

“I can only think it was a result, I have been told, of an Instagram (like) that Gary put out in support of the comments (post) Israel Folau made last week, or the week before,” Kennett said on 3AW.

“If that is the case, then I still don’t like booing. I happen to believe sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me and people are entitled to their opinion whether they like them or not.”

Kennett said the footy field was no place for political and religious views

“I don’t think on the sporting field the views one holds politically or religiously should flow over,” he said.

“I’ve not heard of any other reason why the booing took place but it was certainly consistent throughout the day.”

Patrick Dangerfield says Gary Ablett won’t be fazed by booing. Picture: Getty Images

Kennett said he was told even Cat fans had booed Ablett.

“I was absolutely surprised by it and disappointed by it.

“I’ve been speaking to some Geelong people who were saying that Geelong supporters behind them were booing.

“I found it very disappointing.

“There’s more to this than just football.

“We don’t boo talented footballers.”

Ablett’s star teammate Dangerfield called the booing “comical” on SEN’s Whateley.

“It was comical out there because he was just playing so well,” Dangerfield said.

“It was like the louder the boos got, the greater he got and he had the last laugh.

“I really don’t think he’s thought too much about it, he’s copped it for so much of his career.

“I think the best players in the competition, they don’t let it faze them, they use it as a driving force.

“It’s not going to stop Gaz so you can boo him as much as you like, he’ll keep doing his thing.”