The AFL and Hawthorn have come out in support of Mabior Chol after the Hawks forward was targeted with racial abuse on social media.
Warning: This article includes racist language.
On Instagram, Chol shared a screenshot of a series of abusive messages he received in the wake of the Hawks’ six-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Friday night.
“You can talk s*** all you want but don’t be like this guy,” Chol said in a caption on his Instagram story.
He was referring to a post loaded with racist terms and foul abuse, including “piece of f***ing shit” and “Reply ya black dog”.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said Chol had the full support of the league.
“The AFL strongly condemns the vile and racist social media messages sent to Hawthorn player Mabior Chol following Friday night’s match,” Dillon said in an AFL statement.
“Racism has no place anywhere, anytime — not in our game, not in the community and not online. Players, or anyone, should never be subjected to this sort of abuse.
“To be clear, if you think this behaviour is acceptable, then you are not welcome in our game.
“Mabior’s courage to call this out should be commended and our immediate focus is supporting him and the Hawthorn Football Club.
“The AFL integrity unit will work with the club on this matter.”
The Hawks also condemned the messages directed at Chol.
“It is simply not acceptable. There is no place for racism in our game and in our society,” Hawks chief executive Ash Klein said in a club statement.
“If you are the sort of person who thinks it’s OK to make a comment or send a message like this, we don’t want you as part of our game.
“We commend Mabior’s courage in calling this out and we stand with him.
“Our immediate focus is on wrapping our arms around and supporting Mabior.
“Hawthorn Football Club is working closely with the AFL on this matter.”
Chol has previously been the target of racial abuse on social media in 2022 when he was playing for the Gold Coast Suns.
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