The AFL and Hawthorn Football Club have condemned the “vile and appalling” racial abuse directed at player Mabior Chol through a series of direct messages on social media.
Chol, a Hawthorn forward of South Sudanese heritage, posted a screenshot of the messages he received on Instagram after his side’s loss to the Western Bulldogs on Friday night. The language used in those comments was unsuitable for publication.
“You can talk all you want, but don’t behave like this person,” Chol wrote in his Instagram caption.
Chol contributed three goals, matching his career‑high tally, in Hawthorn’s 12.5 (77) to 9.17 (71) defeat at the MCG.
The 29‑year‑old former Gold Coast and Richmond forward has been subjected to racist abuse on several occasions during his decade‑long AFL career.
On Saturday, the club and the AFL integrity unit announced they are cooperating in the investigation of this latest incident.
If the perpetrator is identified, they will be barred from attending AFL matches.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon condemned the “vile and racist” messages.
“Racism has no place anywhere, anytime – not in our sport, not in the community, and not online,” Dillon said in a statement.
“Players, or anyone, should never be subjected to such abuse.”
“To be clear, if you consider this behaviour acceptable, you are not welcome in our game.”
“Mabior’s courage in speaking out deserves commendation, and our immediate focus is supporting him and Hawthorn Football Club.”
Hawthorn chief executive Ash Klein said such “vile and appalling” behaviour is “simply not acceptable” and that the club is supporting Chol.
“There is no place for racism in our game or society,” Klein said in a statement.
“If you think it’s acceptable to make such comments or send messages, we do not want you involved in our game.”
“We commend Mabior’s courage in calling this out and stand with him.”
“Our immediate focus is to wrap our arms around and support Mabior.”