Brisbane Lions condemn fan after Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine cops racial abuse on social media

A Brisbane Lions fan has had their membership cancelled after racial abuse was directed at Adelaide star Izak Rankine on social media.

The Crows released a statement on Monday supporting the decision, which followed the club’s 11-point loss to the Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.

The Crows labelled the abuse as “a disgusting racial slur” and said it was even more disappointing given it is NAIDOC week, with clubs celebrating Indigenous culture.

Brisbane released their own statement, leading with the words: “Racism is unacceptable. There are no excuses.”

“We condemn the social media comments made towards an Adelaide Crows player during the match last night,” it read.

“They do not reflect the values of our club or our players.

“The comments have been reported to AFL Integrity for further investigation.

“The individual’s membership has been cancelled immediately.”

Crows CEO Tim Silvers said the fan’s actions were totally unacceptable.

“There is no place for racism of any kind in society and it is extremely sad and disappointing that we find ourselves dealing with yet another abhorrent attack on one of our players,” Silvers said.

“As an industry we have a collective responsibility to not only call out racism, but do everything we can to eradicate it, and we support Brisbane which has acted swiftly and decisively.

“It is also important we take the time to understand the hurt this behaviour causes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people because unfortunately, despite how far we have come in this space, the message is still not getting through.

“The club will continue to support Izak and his family and do whatever we can to stamp out racism in football and the wider community.”

Rankine was heavily booed after laying a head-high bump that left Brisbane defender Brandon Starcevich concussed and is expected to face scrutiny from the AFL’s Match Review Officer.

Starcevich was subbed off and will miss Sunday’s clash with West Coast under concussion protocols.