A former Collingwood Football Club runner has shared his shocking experience with online trolls following a controversial incident during the 2018 AFL Grand Final. The runner, whose mistake became a focal point of the match, faced a barrage of abuse, including death threats, from angry fans.
The Infamous 2018 Grand Final Moment
During the high-stakes match, the runner accidentally interfered with play, leading to widespread criticism. The blunder became a talking point among fans and pundits alike, with many blaming him for the team's eventual loss.
The Dark Side of Fandom
In the aftermath, the runner revealed he was subjected to relentless online abuse. "I received messages wishing me dead," he said. "It was shocking to see how quickly people turned from passionate supporters to vicious trolls."
An Unexpected Response
Rather than retaliating or ignoring the abuse, the runner took an unconventional approach. "I decided to kill them with kindness," he explained. "I responded to some of the messages with positivity, which completely disarmed them."
A Lesson in Resilience
His experience highlights the toxic side of sports fandom and the impact of social media abuse. "At the end of the day, it's just a game," he said. "No one deserves to be treated that way over football."
