The Port Adelaide Football Club has condemned racist comments on social media targeted at forward Willie Rioli after the Showdown, during which the club’s mascot was allegedly assaulted.
The Adelaide Football Club said it was also investigating “reports of a racial slur” and confirmed the incident was referred to the AFL’s integrity department.
The tweet surfaced after Saturday’s match, the second known online abuse towards Rioli in the last two years.
In a statement, Port Adelaide said the club “condemns all forms of racism”.
“It causes deep harm and distress beyond the individual the words are directed at,” the club said.
“Racism is abhorrent, unacceptable and never welcome – not in football, not anywhere.”
Port assistant coach Tyson Goldsack said the club would support the player, who kicked two goals in the win against Adelaide.
“As a society, it’s not a great look,” he said.
“Regardless of the supporter base that it comes from, it’s a society thing that you just don’t need that.
“There’s no place in life, let alone football, for that.”
In a statement, Adelaide said the individual involved was not a Crows member but the club joined the call against the “disgusting behaviour”.
“It is extremely disappointing that our industry once again finds itself dealing with such unacceptable behaviour,” it said.
Izak Rankine was knocked out by Dan Houston during the Showdown. (AAP: Matt Turner)
Tensions boiled over when Power star Dan Houston took out Izak Rankine in a high bump but that was not the only injury on the ground that night, with Port Adelaide confirming its mascot was allegedly punched by a crowd member.
The staff member was left with a blood nose and Adelaide Oval’s Stadium Management Authority said it was “aware” of the incident.
“Because it involves a minor, no comment will be made,” the venue management said.
Goldsack said he did not know how the incident unfolded “but you certainly don’t want to be attacking mascots that for sure”.
