Former AFL star Michael O’Loughlin has voiced concerns about the enduring presence of racism in Australian sports, suggesting it may never be completely eradicated.
Reflecting on the distressing experiences of his former Sydney Swans teammate, Adam Goodes, who endured racial abuse towards the end of his illustrious career, O’Loughlin remains deeply affected by the incidents.
Goodes, a premiership winner with the Swans in 2005, faced racial taunts, including being called an ‘ape’ by a young Collingwood supporter, which prompted him to speak out against the slur.
O’Loughlin, who also encountered racism during his upbringing in Adelaide, recalled the challenges he faced as a young Indigenous player, noting the hurtful remarks about his skin color and identity.
Despite tireless efforts by Indigenous figures like Nicky Winmar and Michael Long to combat racial vilification, O’Loughlin highlighted the persistent problem of rogue supporters who continue to hurl racist remarks at players.
He cited a recent incident involving former AFL star Eddie Betts’ children facing racial abuse while playing basketball in their backyard as another example of the ongoing issue in Australian society.
Expressing his disappointment in the AFL’s handling of Goodes’ situation, O’Loughlin believes the league failed to support his former teammate adequately.
Goodes faced relentless booing from fans after calling out a 13-year-old girl for using a racist slur during a match against Collingwood in 2013. Despite retiring under a cloud of controversy two years later, the AFL only issued an apology for his mistreatment in 2019.
O’Loughlin expressed a mixture of sadness, anger, and frustration over the treatment of Goodes, emphasizing the need for non-Indigenous allies to speak out against racism when they witness it.
He believes that standing up against such behavior is essential for fostering a more inclusive and respectful sporting environment for Indigenous players and communities.
