'Epitome of a low life coward': West Coast Eagles star Liam Ryan subjected to another racist attack
The issue of racial attacks on Indigenous AFL players has once again reared its ugly head after West Coast Eagles star Liam Ryan was subjected to abuse on social media.
Ryan was hosting a live stream on his personal Instagram account when one of the followers posted a violent comment which was circulated around the internet, with Ryan himself highlighting it to call out the user.
The 23-year-old forward slammed the fan for the vile comment afterwards.
"No words can describe how disgraceful this comment is ... epitome of a low life coward," he wrote.
Several of Ryan's teammates came to his support on their own personal Instagram stories, while the Eagles responded to the incident with an emotional statement.
It was the second time in a matter of months that Ryan has been subjected to a sickening racist attack AAP
"The West Coast Eagles are sickened by yet another abhorrent racial social media attack on Liam Ryan and his family," a statement read.
"It is unfathomable that someone believes it is acceptable to post such a disgusting message.
"The club has reported the post and will do everything to ensure this person is held to account."
The incident comes just months after Ryan was racially abused during the season by a former Richmond member.
Along with the Eagles' statement, the AFL also released a statement, slamming the actions of the Instagram user.
"The AFL is disgusted by the continued abuse of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our game. Our society expects better and our players deserve better. This needs to end," the AFL statement read.
The Eagles have collectively thrown their arms around Ryan after he was subjected to racist comments AAP
"The AFL is and will continue to work with social media platforms to protect our players and to stamp out all forms of vilification."
The AFL's general manager of inclusion and social policy also spoke on the matter on her personal Twitter account.
"I send my apologies to Liam Ryan, the West Coast Eagles and the AFL community for the racist abuse Liam (and) his family has been subjected to today," she wrote.
"Racism is no joke and is never acceptable. This is a vulgar act."
AFL Players' Association boss Paul Marsh also slammed the incident, labelling the racist fan's behaviour as "disgraceful".
"We encourage everyone to be respectful at all times, and for those who need it to be educated about acceptable behaviour," he said.
"There is no place for this abuse in our game or in society."
