Bulldogs gun Jamarra Ugle-Hagan performs ‘powerful’ display
AFL star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has made an iconic statement with a courageous act just days after he was racially abused on the field.
Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has made a powerful display, just days after he was racially abused.
The rising star was reportedly racially abused by multiple fans during and after his team’s loss to St Kilda on Saturday.
His response on Thursday night, early in his team’s clash with the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium, was perfect.
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After kicking the first goal of the match, Ugle-Hagan turned to the crowd, lifted up his jumper and pointed to his stomach — channelling Nicky Winmar’s iconic stand against racism.
It has been almost 30 years since Winmar famously turned to spectators to proudly show off the colour of his skin after being racially abused by members of the crowd.
Ugle-Hagan was widely praised across social media.
His teammates also came from everywhere to celebrate with the 20-year-old and smothered him in a group hug.
Ugle-Hagan also kicked a second goal early in the second quarter.
Channel 7’s Hamish McLachlan said it would be sweet for Ugle-Hagan after “the disgraceful behaviour of some last week towards him”.
The Bulldogs earlier this week condemned the “harmful and abhorrent racist remarks” that were aimed at Ugle-Hagan.
“Racism of any kind does not belong in our game, nor in our society. We cannot tolerate it,” the statement read.
“Comments like these are extremely upsetting and cause significant hurt and harm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They are said to intentionally harm, and we continue to be confronted by them as a community.
“We’re saddened by the constant need to reinforce the negative impact this has on the individuals concerned, and all First Nations people.”
Just last year a host of players including Fremantle duo Michael Walters and Michael Frederick, Tigers pair Marlion Pickett and Maurice Rioli Jnr, Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett, Carlton’s Adam Saad and Brisbane’s Callum Ah Chee all reported instances of racial abuse.
The Western Bulldogs said the club would continue to call out instances of racism.
The club contacted the AFL Integrity Department. The spectators to have allegedly abused Ugle-Hagan have not yet been identified.
Ugle-Hagan is the Western Bulldogs’ prized number one draft pick from 2020. He’s played 24 games for the club since making his debut against Sydney in Round 17, 2021.
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