Essendon Football Club strongly condemns the racist comments directed towards Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti at the weekend following the Bombers’ match against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday at UTAS Stadium.
The appalling comment was identified on the club’s Facebook page at the conclusion of the game and was immediately reported and removed.
The club has since identified the individual, an alleged supporter of Essendon, who posted the comment. The club has attempted to contact the individual on several occasions on Monday morning and the individual has ignored our attempts to discuss the matter.
He is not a member of the club.
Vilification, racial or otherwise, has absolutely no place in our society. This must stop now, and it starts with all of us in calling out this vile behaviour.
The Essendon Football Club stands in total solidarity with McDonald-Tipungwuti and will continue its fight against racism.
It has to stop.
Further, the club is aware of unsavoury comments made to Western Bulldogs players via social media. The club condemns any abuse directed toward opposition players in light of the result following Sunday’s match or at any time. It is hurtful, unnecessary, and not in the spirit of our great game.
