West Coast star Liam Ryan targeted with racist social media post
The West Coast Eagles and AFL Players Association have been forced to respond to a vile racist attack on star Liam Ryan after a social media user targeted his young child.
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West Coast marking sensation Liam Ryan has once again been subjected to vile social media abuse, this time targeted at his young child.
The 23-year-old last night posted an Instagram live, which allows users to comment on the stream.
Ryan was pictured with his daughter River, prompting one user to respond with a vile attack in which they wrote they wished the child would be killed. The post also made reference to a spear.
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Teammates have been quick to rally around the star forward after the appalling comment.
Defender Brad Sheppard shared the post to his story, where Ryan called the user out.
“No words can describe how disgraceful this comment is ... epitome of a low life coward,” Ryan wrote.
The club has this morning responded to the outburst, labelling it as unacceptable.
“The West Coast Eagles are sickened by yet another abhorrent racial social media attack on Liam Ryan and his family,” a statement read.
“It is unfathomable that someone believes it is acceptable to post such a disgusting message.
“The club has reported the post and will do everything to ensure this person is held to account.”
AFL Players Association boss Paul Marsh also lashed the disturbing post.
“This most recent incident directed at Liam Ryan and his family is disgraceful,” Marsh said.
“We encourage everyone to be respectful at all times, and for those who need it to be educated about acceptable behaviour. There is no place for this abuse in our game or in society.”
Earlier this year, the AFL world rallied around the young indigenous player after he was called a ‘monkey’ in an Instagram post.
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West Coast were applauded for the stand they took at the time, releasing a video in which the club’s development coach Chance Bateman and Aboriginal liaison officer Phil Narkle condemned the trolls.
The Eagles were widely supported by rival clubs, including the Dockers, as they aimed to educate the public on the origin of the term ‘monkey’ or ‘ape’ and why it’s so deeply offensive for aboriginal people.
- The West Australian
We continue to stand against racism.#WhenWillItEnd pic.twitter.com/HV8MM9Uuex
— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) November 15, 2019