The AFL has condemned a distressing racist attack against Eddie Betts’ children and police are investigating after the incident was captured on home security footage.
Chief executive Andrew Dillon and General Manager for inclusion Tanya Hosch said the behaviour has no place in sport or wider society.
“We must express our strongest condemnation against another example of overt racism, this time targeting children playing sport in their own front yard,” the pair said in a statement on Friday.
“We acknowledge the leadership of Eddie Betts for bringing this to national attention. Racism is wrong. Racism is harmful. Racism requires a response.
“The AFL takes this opportunity to remind everyone at all levels of the game, that racist behaviour is never welcome.”
The response comes after Mr Betts posted the footage to social media on Thursday, showing a white car driving by as the children played basketball.
A male is heard repeatedly shouting a racial slur as the car goes by, before the children leave the court.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said it was investigating after receiving information relating to the incident in Melbourne’s southeast on Thursday night.
“It’s alleged a vehicle drove past the property just after 8.30pm and yelled from the windows before driving away,” she said.
“Aboriginal kids deserve to be able to play safely, free from racism and abuse over the fence,” Betts wrote on Instagram.
“We are not even safe in our own homes.
“If you know who this is please let me them know that I’m open to having a chat about how much this hurts our kids.”
The AFL said representatives had reached out to the Betts family on Friday morning to offer support.
The post drew messages of support for the AFL great and horrified reactions, with the Western Bulldogs commenting: “Disgraceful. Sending love Eddie.”
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge further addressed the incident at his weekly press conference on Friday morning, saying the attack made him angry and emotional.
“Obviously, as a club … everyone has put something out there to express their support and love and concern for the Betts family,” Beveridge said.
“Quite simply, it just makes my blood boil.
“Everyone feels the same. I hope everyone does.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the incident and offered her support to Betts’ family.
“It is sickening and disgusting that kids playing basketball in their own backyard have to be subject to such disgusting racial abuse,” she said.
“He has talked a lot about his own personal experience with racism and he has been a strong and proud Indigenous man.”
The AFL Players’ Association also offered support, calling the incident awful.
“No one should ever have to experience this. We stand with you Eddie,” the group wrote.
Federal MP for Higgins, in Melbourne’s southeast, Michelle Ananda-Rajah said she had experienced similar situations.
“As a person of colour, I have dealt with this too,” she said.
“Now I stare down the haters. The children belong here, they make our community more vibrant and stronger.
“They should not fear being here.”
Melbourne player Christian Petracca was also among commenters calling the racial attack disgusting.
Betts retired from the AFL in 2021 after 350 games with Carlton and Adelaide.
He was repeatedly subjected to racist abuse online throughout his career and had a banana thrown at him during a match at Adelaide Oval in 2016.
At his retirement announcement, Betts said he was tired of fighting racism and declared the AFL was not a safe environment for Indigenous players.
Now 37, Betts has spoken publicly many times about the abuse thrown at him and has previously implored Australians to help tackle racism.
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