Carlton has thrown its support behind Zac Williams after he was racially vilified on social media

Another racist message posted on social media directed at an AFL player has drawn widespread condemnation and the posters labelled ‘racist cowards’.

Zac Williams with his indigenous Carlton teammates Liam Jones Jack Martin, Eddie Betts and Sam Petrevski-Seton (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Carlton officials have slammed a “vile” racist message sent to star on-baller Zac Williams via social media on Monday night.

The racially vilifying comment, sent from a profile which was found to be fake, was immediately reported to the AFL Integrity Unit.

It came after video on social media lead to Williams copping a one-week suspension for an off-the ball incident during Sunday’s win over Adelaide.

The footage showed Williams drag Crow Ben Keays out of a wrestle and push his head into the astroturf at Marvel Stadium.

There were five indigenous players in the Carlton line-up late week and one of them, Williams’ teammate Eddie Betts called out the racist post and offered his support.

“This hurts all of us.I got you bro,” Betts posted.

Brisbane Lion, and former Carlton player Mitch Robinson urged all fans to call out “racist cowards”.

Carlton CEO Cain Liddle said it was a “disgrace” people could send such messages “and think no action will be taken”.

“We will never stop calling out this sort of racist behaviour because nobody, no matter who you are, should have such vile words directed towards them.

“Zac has the entire Carlton family standing with him, he knows he has our full support but at the same time he is hurting because he has had to put up with this crap throughout his life and that simply is not good enough.

I find it unbelievable that the indigenous and multicultural boys still have to put up with this gutless shit. Keep calling out these racist cowards. pic.twitter.com/zdgGYGA9kS

— Mitch Robinson (@MitchRobinson05) June 29, 2021

AFL players have called out a vile attack on Carlton star Zac Williams, who was racially vilified after an incident against Adelaide on Sunday.

Eddie Betts led the way, with Mitch Robinson, AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh & multiple Carlton teammates supporting Williams against the abuse.

— Carlton News, Info & Stats (@UptheBaggers) June 29, 2021

“While incredibly disheartening, not just for Zac and his family, but for all people who are vilified online, this serves as a reminder on why we remain committed to this cause. The opportunity exists to continually listen, educate and learn to ensure we are part of the solution, not the problem.

“Part of that involves calling out this gutless racist behaviour by individuals, which we have done and we hope that by doing so, it draws attention to the importance of not standing for this – there simply just isn’t room for racism, or vilification of any kind, in our game and in society.”

“We will do whatever we can to continue to remind people that there is absolutely zero tolerance for vilification of any kind. It has to stop.”

AFL Players Association boss Paul Marsh also called out the attack on social media and asked everyone to call out such behaviour.

“This vile racism will not be tolerated, it’s incomprehensible that anyone thinks it’s OK to send messages like this,” Marsh tweeted.

“ As a society we need to take a stand against racist language and behaviour. If you see it, call it out and report it.”