AFL: Racially abused star Robert Muir feels the love of the game

St Kilda star Robert Muir says he finally feels valued after overwhelming response to racist revelations but needs more time

St Kilda’s Robert Muir, left, runs onto the field in 1984

Former St Kilda star Robert Muir has acknowledged the love finally coming from the football community this week, but says he needs time to heal his physical and psychological wounds.

On Tuesday, the Indigenous footballer thanked the community for making him “feel more valued” after the shocking revelations of racism and abuse he suffered throughout his life.

Muir has, however, asked that people not approach him as he tries to deal with the emotional impact of the past two days.

Muir’s pain was laid bare in a 5000-word article by the ABC’s Russell Jackson on Sunday.

The 66-year-old footballer described being spat on by spectators, urinated on by a teammate, vilified by fans and opposition players and unfairly treated by tribunals, and revealed the toll it had taken on him since.

St Kilda’s Robert Muir in 1979

The article coincided with the AFL’s celebration of Indigenous players, the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, which has become a central part of its inclusive agenda. But Muir, who played in the 1970s, said he had been ignored.

“There have been 30 or 40 events for Indigenous players over the years, and I’ve never been invited to one,“ he told Jackson.

It took the league four years to apologise for abandoning Adam Goodes when he was hounded by bigots in the final stages of his career.

The response from the AFL to the Muir article was immediate. Within hours St Kilda apologised, admitting to “grave errors in the past and may still be failing to grasp the full impact of the hurt felt by individuals”. The AFL soon followed suit. South Australian football expressed its regret. Collingwood, which was singled out by Muir, also apologised.

Racism has proved a slippery customer for football to deal with. The game has worked hard to chase it from the stands and harder to promote a positive story with the Indigenous rounds, but somehow Muir was forgotten.

Former footballer turned journalist Tony Armstrong wrote on the ABC website it was “abhorrent” that Muir had lived 40 years with his pain.

Fans organised a fundraiser to help pay the $28,000 cost of shoulder surgery for Muir, who is crippled by pain. Within 24 hours the GoFundMe account raised $112,000 and was closed by organiser Mal Padgett.

“Not only have Australians from every state and territory donated, but people across the world have dug deep in support of Robert. We never anticipated this response so thank you to each and every one of you,” Padgett said.

Robert Muir was the victim of racist abuse

In a statement issued through St Kilda, Muir said: “In the last two days, I have been overwhelmed by the reaction to my story, and want to thank everyone who has sent me kind wishes.

“I appreciate it greatly, because for most of my life people have not understood the difficulties I’ve faced because of racism and trauma.

“Although the recognition of the St Kilda Football Club and the AFL community has made me feel more valued, and I look forward to forming an ongoing relationship with them, for the time being I would appreciate some space. I need time to process my feelings and adjust to the world knowing about my difficulties.

“My first priorities are my family and my mental health. I ask that people respect my privacy and avoid making personal contact for now. I would like to make note of the many former teammates and opponents who have tried to get in touch, and assure them that a time will come when we can reconnect.

“When things settle down, I would love nothing more than for fans to say hello when they see me. But for now, I’d like to relax and get back to normal for a while. If anyone with a personal connection to me wants to get in touch, they can do so by emailing the St Kilda Football Club at: [e-mail]

“St Kilda will collect those messages and pass them on to me when I am ready to read them.

“Although I have suffered greatly because of my involvement in the game, my love for football and for St Kilda remains.

“I missed out on the support I needed when I played, but I am glad it is being offered now.

“I’m also pleased that the many brilliant Indigenous footballers currently playing the game are finally getting the support they require.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made a huge contribution to AFL football. All we ask for in return is respect.”