‘Harmful and abhorrent’: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan racially abused during loss to St Kilda
Racism in footy has reared its ugly head again, this time targeting a top Western Bulldogs prospect during their loss to the Saints.
Young Western Bulldog Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has been racially abused, reportedly by multiple fans, both during and after Saturday night’s shock loss to St Kilda.
In a strongly worded statement, the Bulldogs condemned the “harmful and abhorrent racist remarks” that were aimed at Ugle-Hagan at Marvel Stadium.
“Racism of any kind does not belong in our game, nor in our society. We cannot tolerate it,” the statement read.
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“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.
“(We’ll continue to) use our voice to further educate our fans and the wider community,” they said.
“The club is supporting Jamarra, his family, and others within the club who have justifiably been impacted by this event.
“The club has contacted the AFL Integrity Department, and thanks the St Kilda Football Club for investigating the matter and working to identify the individuals concerned.”
It remains unclear if the remarks made - believed to have been made by at least one person in St Kilda colours - towards Ugle-Hagan were from a club member or general public ticketholder.
“Racism is inexcusable and is never OK,” the AFL said in a statement.
“Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is a young 20-year-old player trying to forge a career as an AFL footballer. An impressive young man in which part of his pride and strength comes from his family. We stand with his family in calling out the racist comments, comments that cause significant hurt and harm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“The AFLIU (Integrity Unit) has been contacted by both the Western Bulldogs and the St Kilda Football club and will now work with both clubs to provide support for those impacted and investigate the matter, working towards identifying the individuals concerned.”
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.
St Kilda issued their own statement on Sunday, supporting the Bulldogs’ endeavour to identify those responsible.
“St Kilda Football Club has been made aware of allegations regarding racist comments made by a St Kilda fan toward Western Bulldogs player, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan,” the club said.
“The club takes these matters incredibly seriously and condemns vilification of any kind.
“To be repeatedly addressing these repugnant instances of racism is a blight on our game and society. We will continue to stamp out and call out this unacceptable behaviour by having these important conversations, as well as make ongoing education available for the wider community.
“As a club, we are committed to building greater awareness of the harm caused through comments such as these.
“Both clubs are working with AFL Integrity to investigate the matter further and identify those concerned. Importantly, we will work closely with the Western Bulldogs and the AFL to ensure those impacted are supported.
“We will not stand for this.”
Originally published as ‘Harmful and abhorrent’: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan racially abused during loss to St Kilda
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