2015/15: The Adam Goodes booing controversy: Are AFL football crowds racist?





Introduction to the media issue

Video clip at right:
On August 7, 2015, BBC News telecast a segment discussing the controversy surrounding the booing of Indigenous AFL footballer, Adam Goodes. If you cannot see this clip, it will be because video is blocked by your network. To view the clip, access from home or from a public library, or from another network which allows viewing of video clips.


What they said...
'Adam is hurting, he feels it's racist, many, many people feel this is racist and therefore why would you do it, knowing that'
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan

'This whole Adam Goodes drama is ridiculous. The public can boo or chant whoever's name they want! It's nothing to do with being racist....'
Former Australian test bowler, Shane Warne

On August 29, 2015, Indigenous AFL player Adam Goodes was again booed during a game between his team, the Sydney Swans, and St Kilda. The game was played at Etihad Stadium.
It was reported that St Kilda fans booed Goodes when he touched the ball early in the game then again when he kicked a goal in the second quarter.
This was Goodes first game back after taking several weeks off in response to consistent booing from opposition crowds during away games. This booing has been occurring for about eighteen months.
Goodes has been a prominent spokesperson for Indigenous rights and there are those who claim that the negative response to Goodes is racially based. Others claim it is a response to aspects of Goodes's game or to his aggressive attitude toward opposition supporters.
On September 19, 2015, Goodes announced his retirement from AFL football.
On September 24, 2015, it was reported that Goodes had declined a lap of honour to mark his retirement and his contribution to the game. The lap of honour would have occurred prior to the AFL Grand Final.
Persistent crowd harassment has been suggested as contributing to Goodes's decision to retire and to decline the lap of honour.
The issue has sharply divided social and sporting commentators and supporters of AFL football.