Sydney superstar Lance Franklin has lauded AFL supporters for alerting police to a Western Bulldogs fan who racially abused the Swans' indigenous players.
A 70-year-old man was ejected during Sunday's clash at Etihad Stadium after abusing two Swans players, neither of whom heard the offensive comments.
The man will be prosecuted for offensive behaviour.
News Corp Australia reported he called Franklin an "ape", and that he also made racial comments aimed at his teammate Lewis Jetta.
"It's disappointing that it's still happening in the community and especially at football games," Franklin said on Monday.
"It's obviously very good that the crowd's come forward and spoken up.
"I think it's definitely something that needs to be cut out of the game and the more we can teach people not to be racist the better for the game.
"So I think it's a positive step forward for AFL."
Victoria Police contacted Sydney officials on Monday.
"The behaviour of the man was reported to police by other supporters in the stadium," a Victoria Police statement said.
"Police have spoken to representatives from the Sydney Swans Football Club, and have been advised the comments were not heard by any players."
Sydney's other prominent indigenous player, 2014 Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, was the subject of a racial slur in May last year, when a 13-year-old Collingwood fan called him an "ape".
Goodes pointed the girl out to security officials and she was escorted from the MCG.
An Essendon supporter also had his membership cancelled after he made racist taunts at Goodes in May this year.
Goodes, one of the most decorated indigenous players in VFL/AFL history, is a prominent anti-racism campaigner.
Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said his club had been embarrassed and diminished by the actions of one or two members.
One fan's club membership has been cancelled.
Gordon said there had been "allegations and strong denials".
"In the first case, we are persuaded that the abuse took place. That person's membership has been cancelled," he said in a statement.
Mr Gordon said the club has so far been unable to contact the second club member.
"The second case is the subject of ongoing investigation and if we are similarly persuaded, membership cancellation will result."
He said it was particularly distressing as it was the second incident of racism involving the club's fans this season.
Back in May, a Bulldogs supporter racially abused indigenous Melbourne player Neville Jetta.
"Clearly, we need to do more and we will examine what more we can do to stamp out this disease," Mr Gordon said.
Share
