By Marnie Vinall
Brisbane’s Callum Ah Chee has been subject to racist comments online, which he has spoken out against on his personal Instagram account.
After receiving hateful comments in the wake of Carlton’s successful appeal of skipper Patrick Cripps’ suspension, Ah Chee posted the abuse he received on an Instagram story, adding: “Not something you want to wake up to in the morning.
Callum Ah Chee.Credit: Getty Images
“How can this still keep happening. Why can’t my brothers and I just play the game we love without having to worry about shit like this ... If my son grows up playing the game - I hope he doesn’t have to deal with this hate.
“It hurts and I’m sick to death of seeing it.”
The Brisbane Lions have strongly condemned the racist comments via a club statement and reported it to the AFL integrity unit.
“It’s disgusting behaviour and we must, and we will, continue to call it out. There is no place for racism in sport, or in society full stop,” the statement said.
“The Brisbane Lions celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and the incredible contribution Indigenous players have made to our club and to our great game.
“It’s disappointing to have to do so, but in moments like this we take the approach as a footy club to urge people to educate themselves about the harmful impacts of racially motivated comments and online abuse.
“At the Lions we are a family, and when one hurts, we all hurt.
“If you know anyone who behaves in this way, call it out as completely unacceptable.”
Callum Ah Chee’s response to a racial slur on social mediaCredit: Instagram
Ah Chee was forced from the field with concussion during last Sunday’s clash against Carlton after a collision with Cripps.
Cripps was originally offered a two-match ban for the bump by the match review officer on Monday, who graded as the action as careless conduct, high contact and high impact. This was upheld by the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday.
Carlton challenged the tribunal’s decision on Thursday night at the AFL Appeals Board and were successful in having the two-game suspension revoked, freeing Cripps to play against Melbourne this weekend.
Ah Chee will miss this Friday’s night’s game against St Kilda because of concussion protocols.
It is understood the racial comments towards Ah Chee were not posted by a Carlton member.
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