Port Adelaide fan banned indefinitely over racist behaviour

Port Adelaide have indefinitely banned the supporter who was filmed throwing a banana at Eddie Betts, with spectators confirming she called the Crows star a "monkey"

The supporter was seen waving her middle finger at Betts before throwing the banana in his direction during Saturday night's match between rivals Adelaide and Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

The Port Adelaide Football Club today released a statement after they competed the investigation into the incident with the club offering to meet with the offender in the coming days to offer her an opportunity to take part in the club’s industry leading Aboriginal cultural awareness programs.

Chairman David Koch yesterday expressed that the racist behaviour was "absolutely disgusting" and that "we would encourage her to come and sit with our players, our Aboriginal players and try to understand what these actions mean to them."

Koch had also reached out to Betts, who endorsed the club's planned approach to offer the young woman counseling.

The racist practice of throwing bananas towards black soccer players has a long history in Europe.

Koch claimed support from Betts for the club's actions.

"Eddie is not only an incredible football player but an amazing human being," he said.

"His response was ... 'I hope (the club is) not taking it personally, it's across every club.

"He understands like us ... that the lasting good, if any good can come from this, is to make sure no football crowd, no workplace, no family thinks this is acceptable behaviour."

Koch asserted Port Adelaide, which has eight currently-listed indigenous players including Patrick Ryder and Chad Wingard, had "league-leading award-winning" Aboriginal support programs.

The AFL has reached out to the Power, offering "whatever assistance is required for the club to deal with the matter".

"Such behaviour in any form will not be tolerated and the game must be a welcoming environment for all players and supporters," an AFL statement read.

Both clubs have condemned the act.

Adelaide captain Taylor Walker Tweeted, "Absolutely disgusting! Shouldn't ever be allowed back into enjoy the football. Very disappointing".

The incident comes after much of the AFL's 2015 season was marred by booing and racial vilification of Sydney's indigenous star Adam Goodes.

Goodes, the 2006 Brownlow Medalist, retired at season's end and declined a lap of honour on grand final day.

- with AAP