The spotlight is now focused on broadcast vision technology as it plays an integral role in identifying the individual, alleged to be a Bombers supporter, who racially vilified Carlton player Vaomua Laloifi. It’s been confirmed by the AFL that this blatant violation of sportsmanship will earn the culprit a lifetime ban.
Laloifi was subjected to racist remarks during the second quarter of the Blues’ match against Essendon that took place at Windy Hill on a recent Saturday. The AFL’s Integrity Unit is currently investigating the incident, albeit having limited access to identifying evidence such as CCTV footage and ticketing information. This limitation is due to such incidents at the smaller venue where the men’s games take place.
Nicole Livingstone, the AFLW General Manager, has emphasized the role of Fox Footy broadcast’s camera footage in aiding the investigations. She acknowledged, “All of our games are broadcast, so clearly there are cameras that can be utilized by our integrity department.”
Livingstone applauded Laloifi, known amongst colleagues as Mua, for forthrightly highlighting the incident. “There is no place for racism in our game. We ensure our players’ safety and have demonstrated our resolve to award lifetime bans to those found guilty of player vilification”, she added.
Carlton defender Gab Pound recounted the emotional toll the incident had on their teammates, significantly affecting Laloifi, the AFLW’s first Samoan-born player. She further advocated for the AFL to increase signage at local grounds and scoreboards, encouraging retaliation against offensive behaviour.
The AFL Integrity Unit has officially declared 17 lifetime bans for racial vilification incidents since the commencement of the 2023 men’s season. Their statement resoundingly declared, “Racism is never OK. Racist comments affect deeply the player involved and their families. We stand alongside all our clubs in condemning racist behaviour.”
Moreover, the AFL has made its stance clear- racism has no place in the game. Any individual held responsible for vilification during matches will immediately face a lifetime ban, becoming unwelcome at the sport.
