AFL 2022: League joins Adelaide Crows to investigate claims a fan allegedly racially vilified Adam Saad

Carlton star Adam Saad has spoken for the first time after reports of an ugly racist comment sparked an AFL investigation.

Adelaide is investigating claims a supporter racially vilified Adam Saad on Saturday night. Picture: Getty Images

Carlton star Adam Saad says the latest vilification case is another chance to educate AFL fans after he was reportedly subjected to racist taunts at Adelaide Oval.

The AFL has stepped in to investigate the alleged slur, said to have included a reference to “terrorist”, believed to have been made loudly ­between two spectators at Saturday night’s game.

It is not known whether Saad heard the comments, but it is believed the fan was not ejected from the stadium.

Saad said on Sunday the episode gave him another chance to explain to fans why such comments were so hurtful and wrong.

“I’m always grateful to be in this position. Those things shouldn’t be said but hopefully the AFL and the clubs will deal with it,” he said.

A Carlton cheer squad Twitter account alleged a Crows fan targeted Saad, tagging both clubs, as well as the AFL, SA Police and Adelaide Oval into its tweet.

The same account claimed the issue was not properly dealt with by security and that the fan who made the slur was allowed to stay in the stadium.

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Wayne Milera and Adam Saad jostle for possession at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

Carlton slammed the abuse as “disgraceful” and “unacceptable”.

“The club is fully aware of the seriousness of the alleged comments, and has been providing the appropriate level of support to its people as the matter is investigated,” it said.

“The club makes clear that vilification of any kind is disgraceful, unacceptable and has no place in society, let alone our game.”

The AFL on Sunday said there was no place for racism in the game.

“Football is a place of ­inclusion and belonging and there is no place for racist ­behaviour,” it said.

“Nobody in our game or in the community deserves to be discriminated and vilified against due to their faith or race and there is simply no excuse for it.”

A Carlton cheer squad Twitter account alleged a Crows fan targeted Saad.

A Stadium Management Authority spokesman said the organisation condemned anti-social behaviour.

“We will be reviewing the matter with the AFL and ­Adelaide Football Club to consider any appropriate sanctions and/or stadium ban,” he said.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the abuse as ­reported did not represent the broad experience of fans at Adelaide Oval.

“The simple fact is the overwhelming majority of people who attend the footy can barrack passionately but do it ­respectfully,” he said. “These isolated incidents should be called out for what they are.”

Adam Saad after the loss to the Crows. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Crows investigating alleged racial crowd slur against Saad

Adelaide is investigating claims a supporter racially vilified Carlton star Adam Saad at Saturday night’s game.

A Carlton cheer squad Twitter account alleged a Crows fan targeted Saad tagging both clubs, as well as the AFL, SA Police and Adelaide Oval into its tweet.

“We are aware of these reports and are investigating,” the Crows tweeted in response.

“The club strongly condemns any type of anti-social behaviour.”

It was believed to be a comment between people in the crowd and there was uncertainty if the alleged slur was aimed directly at Saad or if the Blues defender heard it.

The same Twitter account also claimed the issue had not been properly dealt with by ground staff or security and that the person who allegedly made the slur was allowed to remain in the venue.

The Crows on Sunday put out a statement which said: “The Adelaide Football Club is investigating reports of an alleged racially motivated comment made by a spectator during Saturday night’s game against Carlton.

“We do not tolerate and strongly condemn any form of discriminatory behaviour and it has no place in football or society. Adelaide Oval should be an inclusive and family friendly environment.”

Carlton would not comment while the AFL Integrity Unit was looking into the matter.

A Stadium Management Authority spokesman said the organisation condemned all anti-social behaviour and had strict guidelines for the crowd.“We will be reviewing the matter with the AFL and Adelaide Football Club to consider any appropriate sanctions and/or stadium ban,” he said.

The league has been contacted for a response.

Originally published as AFL 2022: League joins Adelaide Crows to investigate claims a fan allegedly racially vilified Adam Saad