Matt Finnis: It’s all about respect

By Matt Finnis

We have all sat behind people at the football who have said things that they shouldn’t have said.

Thankfully, changing social values and the power of a sideways glance from a fellow spectator means that what may have been acceptable in the past, is increasingly seen as unacceptable.

But footy’s institutions continue to have a strong role to play in sending messages that racist, sexist, homophobic or other offensive abuse from the sidelines is not on.

The AFL Players recently launched a campaign that makes it clear that racist abuse will not be tolerated. The message from players to supporters is: Our team is made up of many colours. Wear them with pride, not prejudice. And it’s just as applicable at a suburban footy ground as it is at the MCG or Etihad Staduim.

As we said when we launched the campaign, in partnership with the Herald Sun and Etihad Stadium, this not about wagging our fingers at spectators. Players too must remember one of our core values is respect.

I’m not in possession of all the facts about the weekend’s incident involving Melbourne and West Coast players but it does emphasise the point that, whether you’re a player or a spectator, you can be passionate, competitive and respectful – all at the same time.

Collingwood, to its absolute credit, is doing its bit and taking a leadership position on the issue of spectator abuse. The alleged comments directed toward Stephen Milne by Pies fans may not have been racist but that doesn’t mean they weren’t highly offensive and out-of-line.

The AFL Players’ Association strongly supports efforts to find out who these supporters are and apply sanctions that reflect the seriousness of the actions. Because comments like these are not only potentially in breach of social standards and ground regulations – they could also be against the law.

This issue requires everyone in footy – the Players, clubs and the AFL – to do their bit to create an environment where people can still be passionate at games, but have a clear idea about what it is that constitutes ‘stepping over the line’.