The Gold Coast SUNS lodged an official complaint with the AFL on Monday after Joel
Wilkinson informed the club that he was racially vilified by a spectator during
Sunday’s match against Collingwood at the MCG.
Gold Coast SUNS CEO Travis Auld said he was pleased that the complaint was treated
with the seriousness required and that the club and Wilkinson were satisfied with
the outcome.
“The Gold Coast SUNS and Joel Wilkinson are extremely disappointed that the
incident took place, however we commend the AFL, the Collingwood Football Club and
in particular Dale Thomas for dealing with this serious matter both swiftly and
appropriately.”
“Joel has the absolute support of the Gold Coast SUNS, we admire his courage and
we will ensure he continues to receive the support he deserves.”
Auld said the club was proud of the role Wilkinson plays as a Multicultural
Ambassador of the Gold Coast SUNS and the AFL.
“The Gold Coast SUNS are very proud of the work Joel does across the Gold Coast
educating school children about multicultural issues, it is a role he is very
passionate about and we will continue to support him in his delivery of these
programs,” Auld said.
Despite being disappointed that the incident took place, Wilkinson praised Dale
Thomas and the Collingwood supporters in the vicinity of the incident.
“I was shocked when the incident took place and it was extremely upsetting at the
time, but the actions of Dale Thomas and a number of Collingwood supporters in the
area certainly demonstrate that the overwhelming majority of society finds this
behaviour to be unacceptable.”
“I hope by standing up and raising awareness of this issue goes a long way to
ensuring that no other player or spectator will be vilified at sporting events or in
society in the future.”
Wilkinson thanked the Gold Coast SUNS and his teammates, the AFL and the Collingwood
Football Club for supporting him and promptly dealing with the issue.
“I want to personally thank Dale Thomas and the Collingwood Football Club for
standing up and saying that what happened is unacceptable. I also want to thank the
Gold Coast SUNS, my teammates and the AFL for their support and commitment to make a
difference on and off the field when it comes to racial and religious
vilification.”
