The Port Adelaide supporter who threw a banana at indigenous Adelaide star Eddie Betts has apologised for the racially motivated incident.
The woman, who’s in her mid-20s, was banned indefinitely from AFL games after targeting Betts in the dying stages of Saturday night’s Showdown at Adelaide Oval.
Port Adelaide issued a statement on behalf of the woman late on Monday in which she said she would accept her punishment.
“I apologise to Eddie Betts and the Adelaide Football Club as it was never my intention to cause harm or distress to your players or supporters,” she wrote.
“Going to a game of football is meant to be a fun and enjoyable event for all and I apologise for ruining it for so many.
“I regret my momentary lapse of judgment and I did not attend the game with the predetermined attitude of bringing the game into disrepute or to offend anyone.
“Unfortunately, the emotions of the game got the better of me and I hope you all accept my apology.”
Port have offered the woman cultural awareness training, which she accepted.
The apology came as Betts broke his silence on the attack, saying racism towards indigenous players remained an issue for the AFL.
“It’s sad that racism still exists in our game,” Betts told the Crows website.
“Hopefully people can learn from it.
“All we have to do is just educate.”
Betts highlighted his role in the AFL’s “Racism. It Stops With Me” campaign, which targets racial vilification.
“Hopefully people can talk to their kids about why the campaign is important and to educate family members on racism,” Betts said.
“It’s not too late to learn.”
The forward, who has booted 65 goals this season, praised Port Adelaide’s response to the incident and said he hoped to move on from it.
“I’ve obviously got to find a way to put it aside because we’ve got finals coming up (and) we’ve got West Coast on Friday night,” Betts said.
“That’s probably one of the main things that I need to focus on now, it’s going forward, putting it aside and focusing on footy.”
Aransan
Guest
As shown on Foxtel 360 tonight Eddie Betts has very explicitly forgiven the lady in question and it is now time to let this matter rest. Absolute class from Betts.
paulywalnuts
Guest
No, the links with racism are obvious. And it was the conclusion arrived at by the club after investigating and talking to supporters in the vicinity. The reason it "died a quick death" is because it has been speedily (and appropriately imo) dealt with by the club, and by Betts himself, whose response has been all class. It's possible to recognise this for what it was and still move on.
rusty
Roar Rookie
Your putting two and two together and coming up with five. Links with racism in this incident are tenuous at best and the reason it has died a quick death.
Dan Wighton
Roar Guru
What if a swastika is just her favourite shape and she likes to draw it all over the place? What if she just likes dressing up as a ghost in bedsheets with a bunch of her friends and riding around on horses? Geez people are too sensitive these days.
rusty
Roar Rookie
Is there any chance the lady just lost it and threw whatever was at hand? What if it was an apple instead? Was she shouting neo-nazi slogans as she threw the banana?
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
LOL
Aransan
Guest
This is a negative sum game where someone attempts to build themselves up by pulling someone else down. Betts has to accept her "apology" so he can focus on what is important for him and his team for the remainder of the year. The lady in question would have been incapable of uttering the words she has been credited with, and the script writer has even put elements of a non-apology in the wording -- along the lines of "sorry if you were offended" (but I meant what I did).
Reservoir Animal
Guest
This was a real act of violent racism. Are you the only one who doesn't get that?
AR
Guest
She's been pilloried in the media, she's been banned, she's publicly apologised, Betts has accepted her apology and said he'll move on. Surely, hopefully, that's the end of it.
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
You got a lot of anger in there mate. what do you do when a real act of violent racism happens. - you must go right off your trolley
josh
Guest
Why would GWS have done something to me in WS, they're a Canberra team who are catering to their audience in Canberra by playing matches in Canberra with Canberra on the back of their jerseys.
Reservoir Animal
Guest
"you both can’t let go" The sort of talk that's often heard from people who don't want to be held accountable for their actions.
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
Oh dear Josh, when have I excused anything, it was bad behaviour - but in the scheme of things happening in our world the media frenzy and people jumping on it is way beyond what was called for - as per usual, out priorities are warped - specifically you and your mate reservoir dog - you both can't let go - different reasons of course - you because of something GWS has done to you in WS and dog man because he has some anger issues and seems angry enough to get a lynch mob happening.
Josh
Guest
Nothing new here. It'll happen again and harry will still find a way to excuse it.
Reservoir Animal
Guest
And another loss for you.
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
Lol, wow - what a win for you !! ?
Birdman
Guest
and we wonder how this woman could possibly have done what she did? Sounds like her dad needs a bit of re-education as well.
Reservoir Animal
Guest
Haha "moved on." This in an open forum that allows comments and worthy debate. You've already tried to shut me up on another post but instead it was your comment that got deleted.
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
I say lol - it appears you have a particularly thin skin. It appears Eddie has moved on - but you can't
Axle an the Guru
Guest
Players should be allowed to give what they get, but under no circumstances should any type of item be thrown at a player, no matter what his colour or race is, and that should be the biggest catch cry for this issue, not white vs black, safety should be the main issue.