AFL 2023: Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine responds to racial abuse on social media

Izak Rankine was targeted with a disgraceful racist message, now the AFL are on the hunt to find the culprit. See all the details here.

Adelaide star Izak Rankine has spoken of his disappointment after he was racially vilified on social media as the AFL hunts the offender.

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

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

In a statement released on Monday, Crows chief executive Tim Silvers said it was totally unacceptable and disgraceful and the club would not stand for 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.”

Silvers said the club would continue to support Rankine and his family.

Izak Rankine in action against the Dockers on Saturday. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

In a statement, the AFL said it was working to find out who sent Rankine the message.

“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 league said.

“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.

“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 had a stunning start to life as a Crow, after a highly-publicised move from Gold Coast last year.

He has kicked seven goals in the past two weeks to play starring roles in the Crows’ wins over Port Adelaide and Fremantle.

Rankine kicked two goals in both of the Crows opening two matches, which were losses to GWS and Richmond.

Originally published as AFL 2023: Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine responds to racial abuse on social media