The AFL for many years now have been the leaders in setting the example for breaking down racial barriers and educating players and the public on acceptance of diversity.
We have seen things change from the bad old days when players would sledge opponents with racist remarks, just in a attempt to put them off their game.
Now such comments are treated harshly – and rightfully so, as the AFL is a game for everyone regardless of race – and we have seen many more indigenous players enter the game.
To think if it wasn’t for the likes of Nicky Winmar and Micheal Long standing up and saying enough is enough, suxh players could have been lost to the game.
But it seems in 2011 the message the AFL has been pushing has been lost on some people.
Already we have seen two incidents where the crowd made racist comments – one against Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin in Tasmania and another to North Melbourne rookie Majak Daw during a VFL match.
Both times the fans in the crowd were dealt with harshly and banned for the rest of the season. But then something that many had thought was weeded out of the game happened.
Last weekend at Metricon Stadium, the Gold Coast Suns hosted the Western Bulldogs. What seemed to go by as a rather uneventful game then got swept into controversy after the Suns lodged a complaint to the AFL for racist sledging from a Bulldog player.
That player was Justin Sherman in his first year at Whitten Oval. His punishment was four weeks out of AFL along with a $5000 donation to a nominated charity, as well as doing some charity work.
Many people have said Sherman has got off lightly with just four weeks, in which he can still play in the VFL, especially if you compare it to the two fans who have been banned for the year for their remarks. I think Sherman’s punishment is fair when compared to what the people in the crowd got for a few reasons:
1. Sherman is a AFL footballer with a high profile, now he will been seen and people will remember him for what he said up on the Gold Coast.
The two fans in the crowd wouldn’t be recognised by anyone if they bumped into you on the street; they don’t have to walk around with the embarrassment of being labeled racist.
2. Sherman is $5000 out off pocket; the fans haven’t had to pay a cent.
3. Sherman has to work for charity for education reasons; the two people in the crowd can’t be made to do charity work by either the clubs or the AFL.
So if you think Sherman’s two weeks is light, look at his punishment beyond the weeks he will miss. I think he has got what he deserves.
The fans have also rightfully been banned for the rest of the year.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Sean Lemmens was given a four-match ban for this crunching tackle - is it a fair whack?
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.
It could be a weekend for contenders to emerge, teams to hopefully break droughts, o and overall footy to have a party.
