Willie Rioli Takes Leave Following Racism Backlash Over Social Media Post

Port Adelaide grants Rioli personal leave after his now-deleted Instagram post targeting Hawthorn sparks racist and homophobic abuse online.

Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli has been granted personal leave after his social media post expressing hatred for Hawthorn led to a wave of racist and homophobic abuse.
Rioli's Instagram post referenced long-standing family grievances with Hawthorn, including past racism claims involving his late father and cousin Cyril Rioli.
The AFL Players Association condemned the abuse directed at Rioli, calling it 'beyond unacceptable' and urging fans to stop racially targeting players.
Port Adelaide emphasized its support for Rioli and his family, while stating that social media was not the appropriate forum for airing such grievances.
Club officials expect Rioli's absence to be short-term and have committed to providing him with the necessary support during this period.