Footballer's apology over 'distressing' comments about slain student
A Cairns footballer has apologised to best-selling author Clementine Ford over comments he made after international student Aya Masarwe’s death in Melbourne last week.
Cutters player Tristan Keilar sent a Facebook message to the feminist commentator, saying: “I wish they got you, not poor old Aiia (sic).”
Ms Ford took a screenshot of the comment and reposted it to her followers on Twitter, prompting a social media outcry.
“I thought about not sharing this because it’s pretty distressing, but I actually think people should see the cognitive dissonance that exists in some men who claim to hate violence,” Ms Ford wrote on Twitter.
Mini thread: I thought about not sharing this because it’s pretty distressing, but I actually think people should see the cognitive dissonance that exists in some men who claim to hate violence. pic.twitter.com/FLijmqkUQA
— Clementine Ford 🧟♀️ (@clementine_ford) January 19, 2019
“The death of Aya is a bit of a platform to push a man-hating agenda,” Keilar told 7 News Cairns.
“Obviously I’m very remorseful now…. sorry Clementine and anyone who was offended by what I said.
“Once it’s out there, you can’t take it back, as I’ve found out first-hand.”
Ms Ford said she accepted the footballer’s apology and hoped he had learned from it.
“The AFL are aware of the situation and looking into it,” AFL Cairns’ football manager Craig Lees told The Cairns Post.
“We do not condone what has occurred and the actions, it is disappointing.
“We will continue to provide clubs and players support around social media and respect and responsibility.”
