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AFL star subjected to vile, racist comments in latest fan disgrace

The AFL is dealing with more disgusting fan comments on social media, this time aimed at West Coast Eagles star Liam Ryan.

Last week, AFLW star Tayla Harris was the subject of vile, degrading comments on a photo of the Carlton player kicking a goal.

And now Ryan is the target.

7AFL posted a photo of Ryan on Twitter over the weekend, asking followers if he deserved a ban for a ‘jumper punch’ in the Eagles’ loss to Brisbane.

Liam Ryan in action for the Eagles. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Liam Ryan in action for the Eagles. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

However some of the comments received were racist and disgusting.

West Coast teammate Nic Naitanui called out the trolls, highlighting the racist remarks and saying, “These fools need to be held accountable at some stage.”

GWS captain Phil Davis labelled the trolls “disgraceful humans”.

While Brisbane veteran Mitch Robinson said it was “absolute bull***” and called for the AFL community to rally around Ryan, just like it did for Harris last week.

Harris praised for stand against trolls

Last week Harris thanked her heavyweight supporters after the star’s powerful call for change, which has disarmed internet nasties and fuelled a possible rebrand for the sport.

Harris has endured a whirlwind 48 hours after a photo, taken by Michael Wilson, of her playing for Carlton had been set upon by online bullies.

The 21-year-old was strident and selfless in calling out the abuse.

“If I can stand up here and say something about it and start the conversation … if that helps one person or heaps of people, then that’s what I want to do,” Harris said on Wednesday at Ikon Park.

Harris succeeded in galvanising support for the causes of de-sexualising images of women in sport and reducing online abuse.

Thousands of fans have voiced their support for Harris in the same online forums previously populated by abusive men.

Fellow AFLW stars, Matildas captain Sam Kerr and even Prime Minister Scott Morrison have backed Harris on social media and in spoken comments.

with AAP