Port Adelaide and Adelaide have both condemned racist abuse of star Power forward Willie Rioli, while it’s been confirmed the Power mascot was punched in the face during a contentious Showdown 56.
The person inside Power mascot Thunda was attacked by a teenager – believed to be a Crows fan – before the opening bounce of Saturday night’s game, according to The Advertiser.
The minor’s punch left the person with a blood nose, seeing them treated by medical staff and cleared of concussion before returning to the ground.
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“I heard it briefly, I’m not sure what exactly happened but you certainly don’t want to be attacking mascots that’s for sure,” Power assistant Tyson Goldsack said.
Meanwhile both the Power and Crows have called out racist online abuse of Rioli.
“The club condemns all forms of racism,” a Port Adelaide statement read.
“It causes deep harm and distress beyond the individual the words are directed at.
“Racism is abhorrent, unacceptable and never welcome – not in football, not anywhere.
“The club is supporting Willie and his family and will continue to use its platform to educate.”
The Crows said: “The individual involved is not a Crows member however, the club condemns in the strongest possible manner this disgusting behaviour and reiterates there is no place for racism in our game and society.
“It is extremely disappointing that our industry once again finds itself dealing with such unacceptable behaviour.”
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