The AFL and Hawthorn have condemned 'vile and racist' abuse directed at forward Mabior Chol via Instagram after Friday's loss to the Western Bulldogs. Chol, of South Sudanese heritage, posted a screenshot of the messages with the caption: 'You can talk shit all you want but don’t be like this guy.'
Chol kicked three goals in the 12.5 (77) to 9.17 (71) defeat at the MCG. The 29-year-old has faced similar abuse multiple times during his decade-long AFL career.
The AFL integrity unit and Hawthorn are investigating. If identified, the perpetrator could be banned from attending matches.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said: 'Racism has no place anywhere, anytime – not in our game, not in the community and not online.' He commended Chol's courage and said the league's immediate focus is supporting him and the club.
Hawthorn chief executive Ash Klein described the behaviour as 'vile and appalling' and added: 'If you are the sort of person who thinks it’s OK to send a message like this, we don’t want you as part of our game.'
