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2mo ago

Nicky Winmar Offers to Co-Lead AFL Racism Class Action

The AFL faces a landmark lawsuit alleging it failed to protect Indigenous players from decades of racial abuse.

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An Indigenous AFL player lifts his shirt and points to the colour of his skin in response to racial vilification by the crowd.
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Overview

  • Former AFL player Nicky Winmar has offered to join Phil Krakouer as a co-lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit alleging systemic racism in the league from 1975 to 2022.
  • The lawsuit, originally filed in 2023 by Phil Krakouer, claims Indigenous players suffered racial abuse, discrimination, and violence during their AFL careers.
  • Winmar, a prominent advocate against racism, is known for his iconic 1993 gesture pointing to his skin after facing racial abuse during a game against Collingwood.
  • The AFL has denied negligence but acknowledged past instances of racism, stating it will defend against the claims in court.
  • The case, which could involve over 1,000 former Indigenous players, has been granted a two-month extension to finalize its statement of claim.