Crows, AFL slam booing as homophobic slur saga drags on
Adelaide chief executive Tim Silvers has condemned the booing Crows fans directed at Collingwood star Isaac Quaynor on Thursday night, labelling it “inappropriate and not good enough”.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon also took a stand against the booing at Adelaide Oval, declaring it “fell well short” of acceptable.
Isaac Quaynor on Thursday night. AFL Photos
The game between Adelaide and Collingwood, won by the Magpies 16.12 (108) to 11.8 (74), was marred by Crows fans hounding Quaynor every time he touched the ball.
It was another apparent retaliation to Adelaide star Izak Rankine copping a four-game ban for directing a homophobic slur at Quaynor in round 23 of last season.
“Our club loves the passion and emotion our members and supporters bring to Adelaide Oval and the atmosphere they help create,” Silvers said in a Crows statement.
“We also strongly believe there is a line between passionate support and behaviour that falls short of our values and those of the game.
“We want our people to be vocal, engaged and passionate, but to do so respectfully.
“The overwhelming majority of our members and supporters represent the club exceptionally well.
“However, the behaviour of some crossed the line last night. Put simply, it was inappropriate and not good enough.
“Respect for all players, coaches, officials and fellow supporters is paramount, and it is a standard we must all uphold.”
Quaynor has faced the Crows at Adelaide Oval twice since then – and been booed relentlessly on both occasions.
“AFL footy fans are some of the most passionate in world sport, and that passion is one of the things that makes our game so special,” Dillon said in an AFL statement.
Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker booted his 700th AFL goal on Thursday night. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“But the targeted booing last night should not have happened and is not what we want to see in our game.
“We see the best of our fans every single week at matches across the country as they cheer, barrack and support their respective clubs, however, what we saw last night at Adelaide Oval fell well short of that.
“Collingwood and Adelaide have addressed this issue, as is appropriate.”
Magpies coach Craig McRae was left baffled by the booing.
“I’ve got my little daughter in the room and she’s 10. She comes to the footy tonight, little Charlie, and I teach her that we don’t boo,” McRae said in his post-game press conference.
“People pay their money and can do what they like when they come to the game, but I teach my children that we don’t boo, we show respect to all people.
“It’s a fascinating narrative as to why they would boo him.
“From my understanding he was the victim of a homophobic slur, and he’s getting booed for that? It’s a fascinating world we live in.
“I’ll just keep on educating the things we can control, and in my house, no booing.”
