Adelaide Crows youngster responds to ‘abhorrent’ racist message

An Adelaide Crows player has responded to a racist message he received, as his club and the AFL vow to track down the culprit.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Izak Rankine of the Crows celebrates a goal during the round three AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval, on April 01, 2023, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine says he is disappointed after he was racially vilified on social media.

The Crows contacted the AFL’s Integrity Department after the 22-year-old Indigenous player received a racist message on Instagram.

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Rankine shared the slur, from an account with zero followers or posts, and said it was “pretty disappointing to STILL have to deal with this. When will it end”.

In a statement, Crows chief executive Tim Silvers condemned the vilification and said the club would not tolerate it.

“All of us have a responsibility to call out this type of reprehensible behaviour,” Silvers said.

“Equally, we must also take the time to understand the hurt it causes the person who has been targeted, as well as in this instance all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“From the Chairman and Board of Directors through to our players, coaches, staff and volunteers, we are determined to use our voice and platform to continue to make a stand.

“We are committed to playing a role in educating as many people as we possibly can.”

Izak Rankine, the Crows and the AFL have condemned the abuse. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

In a separate statement, the AFL said it was working to identify the person who sent Rankine the message.

“The AFL in the strongest possible way condemns the hurtful and abhorrent racist remarks directed at one of the Adelaide Crows players over the weekend via social media,” the league said.

“We stand with the club in calling out the racist comments, comments that cause significant hurt and harm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The AFLIU has been contacted by the Adelaide Crows and will now provide support for those impacted and investigate the matter, working towards identifying the individual concerned.

Rankine has been one of Adelaide’s best so far this season. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

“We strongly support all our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and condemn the racial vilification of anyone in the community in football.

“The AFL continues its ongoing implementation of the ‘Peek rule’ and the work never stops against vilification, especially in the online space and the challenges surrounding the identification of antagonists.

“The AFL wants to make clear, there is no place in our game for anyone who vilifies our players.”

Rankine has enjoyed a strong start to his first season with Adelaide after starting his AFL career at the Gold Coast Suns.

He has kicked eight goals across the opening four rounds and was best on ground in the Crows’ Showdown win against Port Adelaide in Round 3.