AFL fan accused of abusing Sydney Swans players
Victorian police are looking into a possible racial attack on two Sydney Swans players, during yesterday's AFL match against the Western Bulldogs.
A 70-year-old man, believed to be a Bulldogs fan, was evicted after members of the public complained about alleged racial slurs.
Witnesses say they heard the word "Ape" directed at Lance Buddy Franklin.
The club says none of the players heard any comments from the stands.
Police issued the spectator with a penalty notice.
The attack follows a similar incident involving fellow Swans forward Adam Goodes, who was racially abused by a teenage Collingwood fan during a match last season.
The girl was ejected by security for calling Goodes an "ape" from the boundary. Goodes pointed the girl out to security guards and had her evicted before publicly expressing his disappointment on social media.
Despite the controversy, the Swans burst out of the blocks in Sunday's round-22 clash with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, kicking seven goals to the home side's one in the opening term.
Sydney's 20.10 (130) to 9.13 (67) victory included six goals from Coleman Medal leader Lance Franklin and four from fellow big forward Kurt Tippett.
The Swans had the luxury of subbing out Tippett at three-quarter time.
Sydney coach John Longmire says injured quartet Josh Kennedy, Craig Bird, Ben McGlynn and Sam Reid, who was a late withdrawal on Sunday with a hip complaint, are all pushing for selection this week.
The Swans will host Richmond at ANZ Stadium on Saturday and despite being a win and almost seven per cent clear in top spot, there'll be no resting going on against the Tigers.
"To be able to jump out of the blocks and have that seven-goal first quarter and reduce their scoring impact was critical," Longmire said.
