AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has written an open letter to fans calling for support for Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes.
McLachlan released the letter to fans on Friday afternoon, which said the football community had come a long way, in terms of equality, but needed to understand the impact the situation was having on Goodes.
“Whether you agree or not, the booing of Adam Goodes is perceived by him and many others as being racially motivated and that's hurting us all,” he said.
“That is all we need to know.”
McLachlan said the jeering was taking a toll on Goodes and his family.
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“Adam is hurting, as are his family and close friends, and the game we love is hurting,” he said.
“As it has always been, it is up to us, as supporters to respond.
“It’s Australia’s game and always will be and I have no doubt supporters will follow the lead of players and coaches who acknowledge Adam Goodes as one of our great champions, and a man who commands respect.”
Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich endorsed the AFL’s stance on the matter.
“We are pleased the AFL is today taking a competition wide stance on this matter and the club fully supports it,” he said.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan's open letter to fans:
"Our game, Australia's game, is one of extraordinary skill, athleticism and physicality. A Jeremy Howe hanger, an Eddie Betts checkside (from his favourite pocket in front of the famous Adelaide Oval Hill and scoreboard), Nick Riewoldt’s running, Luke Hodge’s courage, Nat Fyfe’s brute strength and strength of mind. Cyril's everything.
It is the best game in the world and has been for more than 150 years.
With the best supporters.
Our incredible fans underpin almost every element of what makes our game great: The people from all walks of life who are united by their love and passion, who for generations have been going to the footy and getting lost in the intoxicating beauty and energy of our game.
To stand with colours worn proudly and to cheer on their heroes and to interact with the game and its characters.
This is our right as footy fans, no, in actual fact it’s our obligation.
Whether it’s roaring behind the goals at the G, or in front of the TV at a mate’s place on Friday night, football is the place where we can forget about the challenges of everyday life and lose our selves in the passion of it all.
Supporters are the true custodians of the game, and have always ultimately decided what is the right or wrong way to behave, both on the field and off it.
No one can force 90,000 people to stand in complete silence on ANZAC Day and reflect on the sacrifice of our service men and women. No one told 300,000 people all over Australia who went to a round of football earlier this year to behave in a way that was different to normal, but they did and in the process showed unified support for a family, a club and an entire State.
The best of us, is the best of anywhere and it’s something we should be immensely proud of.
We have come a long way as a football community to promote understanding between different groups in the community and we need to continue this journey.
To move forward we need to listen to each other, and at present that means understanding the impact this issue is having on a man who has given extraordinary service to Australian football.
Whether you agree or not, the booing of Adam Goodes is perceived by him and many others as being racially motivated and that's hurting us all.
That is all we need to know.
Adam is hurting, as are his family and close friends, and the game we love is hurting.
As it has always been, it is up to us, as supporters to respond.
It’s Australia’s game and always will be and I have no doubt supporters will follow the lead of players and coaches who acknowledge Adam Goodes as one of our great champions, and a man who commands respect.
You respect our game too much not to."
