Footy Fury: Aussie City in Shame as Booing of Star Player Sparks Nationwide Outrage
- Adelaide fans slammed for ‘grubby’ display as they boo Collingwood’s Isaac Quaynor over homophobic slur incident
- Collingwood coach Craig McRae labels booing ‘really disappointing’, while other AFL legends and fans call it ‘disgusting’ and ‘shameful’
- Quaynor, the victim of the homophobic slur, responds with a strong game, but the big talking point is the awful display from Crows supporters
Isaac Quaynor, the Collingwood star at the centre of a homophobic slur incident, was subjected to vile booing from Adelaide fans during Thursday night’s qualifying final. The Crows supporters’ shameful display has sparked a nationwide outcry, with AFL legends and fans labelling it ‘disgusting’ and ‘shameful’.
The booing, which was loudly directed at Quaynor every time he touched the ball, was sparked by the star’s involvement in an incident where he was the target of a homophobic slur from Izak Rankine, a Crows player, during their last match on August 16.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae was quick to condemn the booing, calling it ‘really disappointing’. However, other big names in the AFL were more scathing in their criticism. Channel Seven commentator Brian Taylor told viewers, ‘I cannot believe this is happening. He [Quaynor] has done nothing wrong,’ as the abuse was picked up on microphones during the broadcast.
Kate McCarthy, a commentator for Triple M, added: ‘Booing someone for calling out homophobia is truly something, isn’t it?’ Meanwhile, Channel Nine star and former Collingwood boss Eddie McGuire blasted the Crows fans, saying: ‘They were seething over different things and goodness, even booing every time Quaynor got the ball, which meant they were hoarse by the end of the night.’
Fans were also quick to take to social media to express their outrage. One wrote: ‘I’m still struggling to understand the crowd booing Isaac Quaynor last night & the atrocious message it sends. Quaynor didn’t report what Rankine said. He didn’t formally complain. All he did was be the victim of someone else’s slur.’ Another added: ‘Adelaide fans booing Isaac Quaynor, the VICTIM of homophobic slurs? Stay classy.’
The fallout from the incident has been massive, with many calling for the AFL to take action against the Crows and their fans. It’s a dark day for footy, and one that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.