‘Cowardly’: AFL, clubs ‘condemn’ vile online attacks to stars as investigation launched

The AFL, St Kilda and Port Adelaide have strongly condemned the vile social media abuse towards Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jase Burgoyne in a matter being investigated by the league’s integrity unit.

Both players on Sunday night called out the disgusting hate messages via their Instagram accounts.

Wanganeen-Milera, whose Saints lost to Sydney by five points on Sunday, re-shared the attacking messages sent directly to his account by an anonymous user named hahahhs4867.

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They were expletive laden and included racial insults that appeared to be betting-related.

Wanganeen-Milera, 22, re-shared a screenshot of the messages to his Instagram Story with the caption: “Over a game of football! Hero mate.”

The disgusting abuse directed at Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. Source: FOX SPORTS

Saints teammate Liam Stocker gave his support to Wanganeen-Milera, re-sharing the screenshot to his Instagram with the caption: “Get a grip ... Put your name on it you donkey.”

Burgoyne showed more shocking abuse he received on his Instagram account from user Tim (tubs_77), with the 21-year old uploading it to his Story with a clown face emoji.

The emerging star’s Power defeated West Coast by 26 points on Sunday night.

The disgusting abuse directed at Jase Burgoyne. Source: FOX SPORTS

St Kilda and Port Adelaide referred the matters to the AFL on Sunday after both teams played.

The AFL in a statement on Monday said it “strongly condemns the abhorrent racist remarks.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said: “To hide behind a fake account is cowardly and I want the people that have created these online accounts and racially abused our players to know that our game does not want you. Real fans don’t racially abuse players.

“We have been clear that there is absolutely no place for this behaviour in our sport and in society. Racism is never acceptable and these incidents demonstrate there is so much more work to be done.

“Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jase Burgoyne are talented footballers and remarkable young men. We acknowledge their courage to call out the hurtful and completely unacceptable remarks and offer our support to both players, their families and our broader Indigenous playing group.”

In a statement from the Power, the club said it “looks forward to working closely with the AFL to identify those responsible and sanction appropriately.” Port called on governments to “demand accountability from social media organisations” and declared “platforms need to take accountability and action against these abusers.”

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was targeted online (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Jase Burgoyne was targeted online (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena also condemned the racist attacks.

“As a club we do not accept racist behaviour of any kind. These comments are abhorrent and have no place in our game or our community,” Dilena said in a statement.

“Beyond Nasiah’s talent on the field, he is a proud Kokatha and Narangga man who deserves to work and live free from this type of abuse. St Kilda Football Club stands firmly with Nasiah, his family and all First Nations people, and we remain committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

“We fully support Nasiah and will work closely with the AFL Integrity Unit to do everything we can to identify the person responsible for these messages.”

Wanganeen-Milera and Burgyone are close friends, with Wanganeen-Milera one of the biggest names out of contract and linked to Port Adelaide as he ponders a move back to South Australia.

Meanwhile Burgoyne last week put pen to paper on a new four-year extension at Alberton.

In an Australian basketball first last week, a man was charged with racially abusing former NBA star and current Adelaide 36ers player Montrezl Harrell using an Instagram burner account.

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