- Class action launched against AFL over racism allegations
- Seven indigenous stars involved, including Phil Krakouer
- Kangaroos said an apology ‘is not enough’
- The AFL said all ‘formal correspondence will be considered’
Decorated North Melbourne half-forward Phil Krakouer is among a group of seven former Indigenous footballers who have launched a landmark class action against the AFL over alleged racist abuse stemming from their playing days.
Documents formally filed Friday with the Supreme Court accuse the code of failing to protect players from alleged racial taunts during their careers.
Krakouer said News Corp. said it was a relief to finally be heard and that an apology “isn’t enough.”
“Racism has been swept under the rug for too long,” he said.
“For decades, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and people of color have been subject to racist abuse while playing the AFL, and we feel they (the AFL) are sat and watched it all unfold.
Phil and Jim Krakouer were Kangaroos fan favorites between 1982 and 1989.
Phil Krakouer is among a group of seven former Indigenous footballers who have launched a landmark class action against the AFL over allegations of racist abuse stemming from their playing days.
“We signed up to play football, so as not to suffer racist abuse. It goes way beyond sledding.
Margalit’s injury lawyers – who have launched a separate trial with the league over concussion – have confirmed the class action involves AFL and VFL players who suffered alleged racist abuse between 1975 and 2022.
The racist abuse suffered by the players was extreme,” said general manager Michel Margalit.
“Not just words, but disgusting physical acts such as spitting and violence.
“The AFL was aware of this racial abuse and, as guardian of the code, failed to take decisive action to protect players.
“Many of our clients have experienced lifelong trauma. »
AFL spokesperson Jay Allen said Age As of Friday evening, no documents were served on the league – but if formal correspondence is served, it will be reviewed.
The siblings arrived at the club in 1982 from Western Australia and entertained countless football fans with their athleticism.
Krakouer scored 224 goals in 141 matches before spending two seasons with Footscray
The class action follows the report into historic allegations of racism at Hawthorn Football Club between 2010 and 2016.
Coaches Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt were later cleared of any wrongdoing – but the families at the center of the investigation are complaining to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Krakouer, now 63, joined the Kangaroos in 1982 and scored 224 goals in 141 appearances.
His equally talented brother, Jim, also joined the club from Claremont in Western Australia and was a fan favorite.
