Angry football fans have criticized the AFL’s plan to take a stance on violence against women, insisting that getting all teams to make the gesture this weekend is simply “hypocritical grandstanding” and “signaling of virtue”.
The AFL has confirmed that ahead of the round’s eight matches, stars from all clubs will link arms to highlight gender-based violence.
Players, coaches and referees will gather at the center of the field to form a circle and pay a silent tribute to the women who lost their lives, before an MC reads a statement to the crowd.
However, many football fans have criticized the move, insisting the AFL is being hypocritical in attempting to welcome back a player like Tarryn Thomas, who has been found guilty of conduct related to domestic violence.
“Nothing but hypocritical bragging,” wrote one fan on X.
The AFL confirmed that ahead of the round’s eight matches, clubs will come together to draw attention to gender-based violence (pictured AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon).
Fans have branded the AFL’s plan hypocritical, with Bombers coach Brad Scott saying he is eager to see Tarryn Thomas back in the game after he was sacked for inappropriate behavior towards women.
‘Remember that it is not just Tarryn Thomas who has committed violence against women. You have the media (Wayne Carey), other current and former players (read Night Games, Milne). There is a lot in and around the AFL and football culture. “The AFL needs drastic measures, not just lights and hugs,” posted another.
‘Everything is great…don’t buy it for a second! Tarryn Thomas will be back, which is disgusting enough! wrote another.
“And yet next year Tarryn Thomas will be on a list again, and the AFL media will be advertising him on all platforms and this will all be just another act of virtue signaling,” a third responded.
Football fans were not impressed with the league’s plan to make a statement on the problem of violence against women in Australia.
Many have been quick to point out that controversial former North Melbourne star Tarryn Thomas appears to be on the brink of a comeback following comments from Bombers boss Brad Scott.
This post by football reporter Tom Morris was a lightning rod for fans who see this round’s gesture by all teams as hollow.
Pictured: Another example of a football fan believing that the possibility of Thomas returning to the first grade casts a shadow over the planned declaration in the eighth round.
This fan accused the AFL of simply checking boxes in an act of ‘virtue signalling’
Other commenters wrote: “Oh well that should stop him in his tracks,” “Get your own house in order.” You’re not the one the public comes to for advice’ and ‘It’s all talk when you allow men who have been accused of assaulting women to play in the AFL.’
Another X user took a different tack, writing: ‘AFL revenue is inundated with betting advertising, while problem gambling has a direct, brutal and sometimes fatal link to intimate partner violence. Don’t listen to what they say, watch what they do. This weekend should be called Round of Hypocrisy.’
Radio host Tom Elliott also criticized the AFL for having “double standards” on social issues.
“You can’t have it both ways,” he said. 3AW.
“You can’t make a big statement about domestic violence and then welcome a player who has been found guilty of conduct related to domestic violence.”
Anti-domestic violence activist Phil Cleary also criticized the league, accusing it of ignoring an event aimed at raising awareness about the issue of domestic violence.
Cleary’s sister Vicki was murdered by her ex-partner in 1987, and an annual VFL match is now played in her honour.
Cleary says the AFL hasn’t bothered to attend or endorse the event.
“We have Vicki Cleary day in 2017 and we’ve had five of them,” he told Elliott.
AFL great Jimmy Bartel says he is concerned disgraced former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas could soon return to the AFL.
“The AFL never attended and never spoke to me about formally endorsing that day.”
AFL great Jimmy Bartel has also given the AFL a strong warning about the message that would be sent if Tarryn Thomas returns to the football field next season.
‘I feel very uncomfortable with that. “I understand the whole premise of forgiveness and opportunities, he has had several opportunities with his alleged behaviour,” Bartel said on Nine’s Footy Classified programme.
Bartell, who experienced and witnessed horrific domestic violence as a child, feels the sport should have a more zero-tolerance attitude.
“I’m open to all discussions, but I feel incredibly uncomfortable because we’re going to have players arm in arm and another woman dies… I just find it very difficult.”