Former Adelaide captain Taylor Walker will miss six AFL matches for making a racist comment towards former St Kilda player Robbie Young during a reserves match last month.
On July 17, the Crows forward attended a SANFL match between Adelaide and North Adelaide as a spectator.
He entered a quarter-time huddle and directed a racial slur towards Narungga and Ngarrindjeri man Robbie Young who played for the opposing side.
His comments were reported by a member of the Crows club.
Following an investigation by the AFL Integrity Unit, Walker was involved in a conciliation meeting with Mr Young, the official who reported his comment and the AFL.
It was decided he would miss Adelaide's remaining three matches of the 2021 season and the first three rounds of 2022.
He will also have to apologise to both the Adelaide and North Adelaide clubs for his behavior; he will undertake education training involving volunteering for community programs and listening to Aboriginal stories and perspectives, and he will donate 20-thousand dollars to a South Australian Aboriginal program.
Former St Kilda player and Narungga/Ngarrindjeri man Robbie Young. Source: AAP
Following the meeting, Mr Walker said he was "ashamed, embarrassed and remorseful."
“There is no excuse or justification for the words I said. They are unacceptable and I take full accountability for that," he said.
"I am deeply ashamed. I did not intend to cause harm, but I know and understand that I have caused deep hurt to the official who reported the matter and to Robbie Young, to both of their families and to the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
"I apologise to all of them and to the Adelaide and North Adelaide Football Clubs."
Torres Strait Islander woman and AFL Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch reinforced there's no place in society for such comments.
“Racist actions and behaviours are inexcusable," she said.
“The AFL strongly condemns the racial vilification of our football community including our players, staff, and their families, across all levels of our game.
“I would like to acknowledge everyone involved in today’s conciliation process, especially the Adelaide official and Mr Young for calling out the behaviour and/or taking a stand against racism by their involvement in this process.
“I have no doubt Mr Walker is remorseful, understands that his comments can trigger trauma and seriously impact the mental health of the individuals, families and communities involved and he has accepted his sanctions.”
