GWS Giants consult police over Callan Ward death threats and call on AFL to hold trolls to account

GWS Giants have confirmed they have consulted police over the Callan Ward death threats and have rallied behind their veteran, refusing to let the matter rest.

The incident where Callan Ward received the controversial free kick against Essendon.

The AFL’s war against trolls is set to intensify on Wednesday after the GWS Giants revealed they have consulted police over the death threats directed at Callan Ward.

It’s understood Essendon are following a number of leads as their investigation into whether the perpetrators were Bombers members continues, but GWS boss David Matthews believes the “low lifes” involved should be held criminally responsible and confirmed the club has asked NSW Police what its options are.

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Ward revealed on the weekend he had received death threats and vile abuse directed at his wife and baby son in the wake of a controversial free-kick against the Bombers last Friday night, and Matthews declared on Tuesday that the Giants — and Essendon — were not about to let the issue rest.

At a meeting of all 18 clubs and AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan on Wednesday, Matthews plans to use the Ward incident as a rally cry for the game to resolve to hold trolls accountable once and for all.

Ward kicks the controversial goal to seal the win against the Bombers.

Ward says he received death threats after the controversial free kick

“An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us from a Giants’ point of view,” Matthews told News Corp.

“That’s the way we’ve always seen things with any of our players.

“We’ll do whatever is necessary to ensure that if we are able to identify the individuals, there will be action taken.

“We do appreciate Essendon’s collaboration. Anyone that is behaving in such a reprehensible way needs to be brought to account.

“I think it’s pretty simple. If you’re going to make a death threat, then I think it should be treated in a criminal way.

“It’s obviously up to individuals as to how they want to proceed with various matters. We’ve said to Callan we’ll find out more information first. We’ve got a meeting with the 18 clubs (Wednesday afternoon) with Gill McLachlan and the executive of the AFL and it’s something I intend to raise and say it’s time for us to go further.”

Callan Ward is congratulated by teammates after his winning goal.

As well as the Essendon probe, the Giants’ have a head of security is also investigating the Ward threats and has spoken with the NSW police.

“We’ve had some conversations with the police. Our head of security has consulted police in relation to advice about how these matters (involving social media) are currently getting dealt with and what the options are,” Matthews said.

30+ minimum abusive messages a week, mainly around gambling. The delete all button gets a good work out without reading - serious problem that would affect younger players / ones with mental health and confidence issues already. 😪

— Josh Bruce (@joshuabruce) August 10, 2020

“Clearly the first priority is to be able to identify the people … We are waiting or more information.”

The AFL has been plagued by regular racist abuse of players online over recent seasons, while Melbourne Storm NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen has since said death threats are also “common” for league players.

Matthews said enough was enough.

“The AFL has shown a lot of leadership in a lot of areas and this can be another one,” he said. “The alarming part is a lot of this stuff has been going on and players and families have had to cop it … it just can’t happen. It shouldn’t occur.”

Matthews said the entire club was affected by the ugly incident.

“The club shares in this with Callan Ward,” said Matthews.

“He’s got a young family. He’s got family in Melbourne. It affects everybody. It’s a club issue, not just a Callan Ward issue. It’s not something we’re going to accept.

“We’re taking the matter as seriously as he is but we will wait for that clarification from Essendon before we consider further what needs to be done.”

Giants coach Leon Cameron reiterated he hopes Ward’s abuse is a tipping point.

“It’s been interesting watching the week as a number of other players have come out and talked about that and how disturbing it can be,” he said.

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Originally published as GWS Giants consult police over Callan Ward death threats and call on AFL to hold trolls to account