The Melbourne Football Club has released the following statement in response to racist social media posts directed at one of its players following Monday night’s game at Optus Stadium:

There is no room for racism, ever.

The hurt and trauma caused by racism has sadly, once again been at the forefront of our game in recent times. Despite the best efforts of many, we continue to see people subjected to racial abuse on the football field, in the stands and increasingly, on social media.

We have heard so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people talk about the pain, the hurt, the exhaustion and the anger inflicted by racism. This is not okay; we must do better.

This week Eddie Betts said, “no matter who you are or what you do, when it comes to racism, everyone should be held accountable.”

It is not enough to simply condemn racism when it occurs, we must work as a club, an industry and as individuals to be anti-racist, and to educate those around us on how they too can play a proactive role in stamping out racism.

We may not be able to silence every person who hides behind their keyboard or a fake profile, but we can utilise our own voices and platforms to proactively and consistently, educate people on and celebrate Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander culture.

This week and beyond we ask you to join us in being an active ally for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through education, the amplification of Indigenous voices and in calling out racism whenever you may witness it.

As part of the club’s commitment to ongoing education and allyship, our coaches, players and staff will sit down together this week and watch ‘The Ripple Effect’.  A powerful documentary primarily centred around St Kilda legend and proud Noongar Nicky Winmar's generation-defining stand against racism at Victoria Park in 1993.

We encourage people to join us in watching the documentary here.