The West Coast Eagles and the AFL have condemned a vile racist slur targeting star forward Liam Ryan’s twin sons, which a social media user posted on a photo of the two boys over the weekend.
During Saturday's AFLW clash between the Eagles and Richmond, 7AFL posted a photo to their Instagram account, showing Ryan’s two sons watching on with a microphone and the caption, “Liam Ryan’s twin boys have a future in broadcasting.”
Following the post, a social media user made a vile racist comment towards the toddlers, which NITV News has chosen not to publish.
In response to the comment about his two sons, Ryan called out the social media user on his Instagram story.
In a statement on Sunday, the club condemned the comment "in the strongest possible way".
"The West Coast Eagles again condemns’ in the strongest possible way a vile racist slur targeting Liam Ryan’s young family," read the statement.
"That these kinds of posts continue to be published on social media is both abhorrent and frustrating.
“As a club we stand with our Indigenous players, community and members in standing against this divisive and reprehensible behaviour.
"We will support Liam, Evana and their family through this incident which again has hurt them deeply. #itstopswithme #bepartofthesolution.”
In a statement via Twitter on Sunday night, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan and AFL General Manager for Inclusion & Social Policy, Tanya Hosch condemned the comment and praised the talent of Ryan.
“The hurt racism causes runs deeper than the individuals involved,” read the statement.
"Liam Ryan is one of the most talented & exciting players in our game.
“Part of his pride & strength comes from his family and the majority of us appreciate and respect him, his family and culture.
“We stand with Liam and his family and as a code are extremely grateful he is part of the footy family and community.”
