Adelaide and Brisbane have stood in solidarity with Izak Rankine after revelations of “disgusting” racial abuse on social media on the weekend.
In the wake of an 11-point loss to the Lions on Sunday afternoon, the Crows star was subject to vile comments online, which has resulted in a fan’s membership being cancelled and an AFL integrity department investigation.
Rankine was at the centre of a racism scandal last season and his club have publicly condemned the actions of the Brisbane supporter in a statement on Monday.
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“The Adelaide Football Club strongly endorses the ban handed to a fan who directed a disgusting racial slur towards Crows midfielder Izak Rankine,” the club said.
Izak Rankine of the Crows celebrates a goal during their clash against the Lions. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“The club is providing support to Rankine after he was racially abused on social media by a Brisbane Lions member on Sunday.
“It is even more disappointing given it is NAIDOC Week and a time at which we should be celebrating Indigenous culture rather than dealing with vilification.
“In the past 24 hours, the Crows have been in contact with the AFL’s integrity department and the Lions, who have cancelled the membership of the person.”
Adelaide chief executive Tim Silvers thanked the Lions for their quick response to the incident, but admitted frustration over the continued abuse directed towards Rankine.
“There is no place for racism of any kind in society and it is extremely sad and disappointing that we find ourselves dealing with yet another abhorrent attack on one of our players,” he said.
“As an industry we have a collective responsibility to not only call out racism, but do everything we can to eradicate it, and we support Brisbane which has acted swiftly and decisively.
Izak Rankine in action for the Crows. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“It is also important we take the time to understand the hurt this behaviour causes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people because unfortunately, despite how far we have come in this space, the message is still not getting through.
“The club will continue to support Izak and his family and do whatever we can to stamp out racism in football and the wider community.”
Brisbane also released a brief statement to confirm the cancellation of the individual’s membership and to condemn their actions.
Rankine has emerged as one of Adelaide’s best players in recent years, but looks set for a stint on the sidelines after an ugly bump during the loss against the Lions.