Adam Saad has spoken out as the AFL joined the Adelaide Football Club in investigating reports of an alleged racial slur directed at him during Carlton’s loss at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
In a tweet shared on social media, Carlton’s cheer squad claimed a Crows woman called the Blues defender “a terrorist”. Saad is a first-generation Lebanese Muslim, the only practicing Muslim player in the competition.
The publication also labeled the subsequent action by Adelaide Oval ground staff as “absolutely disgraceful”, after the accused woman was spoken to but allowed to remain in her seat for the rest of the match.
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According to Adelaide Oval’s code of conduct, anyone who engages in racial abuse “may be removed” from the venue.
“Depending on the severity of the behaviour, anyone evicted may incur a ban, suspension of membership and/or police charges,” the code says.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Saad said he wanted to use the incident to educate people about the peace of their religion.
“[I’m] Always grateful to be in this position, I can’t complain,” he told reporters.
“These things shouldn’t be said, but we hope the AFL and the clubs will.
“It’s disappointing, I guess we just have to educate ourselves to make comments like these.
“At the end of the day I know who I am as a person and who we are as a Muslim community.
“As long as we can educate the person and move things forward.”
Adam Saad after the Blues’ 29-point loss to the Crows. (AFL Photos via Getty Images)
The Blues said in a statement that they were offering comfort to affected members of their community.
“The Carlton Football Club is working with AFL Integrity and all relevant parties regarding an allegation of racial slurs in the crowd during Saturday night’s game at Adelaide Oval,” it read.
“The club is fully aware of the seriousness of the alleged comments and has been providing the appropriate level of support to its people as the matter is investigated.
“The club makes it clear that defamation of any kind is shameful, unacceptable and has no place in society, let alone our game.”
In a separate statement, the Crows said they would not tolerate anti-social behavior of any kind.
“We do not tolerate and strongly condemn any form of discriminatory behavior and it has no place in football or society. Adelaide Oval should be an inclusive and family environment,” it read.
This latest appearance of footy racism comes just months after former Adelaide captain Taylor Walker completed a six-match ban for making a racist slur at North Adelaide’s Robbie Young in a SANFL game last August .
In response to the incident, AFL House said the league would continue to champion diversity and inclusion.
“Football is a place of inclusion and belonging and there is no place for racist behavior in our game,” read a statement.
“No one in our game or community deserves to be discriminated against and vilified because of their faith or race and there is simply no excuse for that.”
South Australian police have confirmed officers and security at Adelaide Oval recorded the details of those allegedly involved in the incident.
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