Top End AFL investigating racial abuse claims

Though both teams have proud Indigenous histories, a tough and bitter game between the Wanderers and the Waratahs has seen allegations of racial vilification.

Claims of racial abuse by spectators have emerged from the Foundation Cup game between Waratah and Wanderers on Australia Day Source: Supplied

AFL Northern Territory is investigating claims Aboriginal footballers were racially abused during a game in Darwin on January 26.

It’s alleged racist comments were directed at Wanderers Football Club players during the annual Northern Territory Football League Foundation Cup clash with fierce rival Waratah at Gardens Oval.

The Wanderers complaint follows a tough and at times spiteful clash between the finals-bound clubs.

Waratah won the foundation cup but spectator behaviour has been drawn into question. Source: Supplied

NITV News understands the comments are alleged to have come from the crowd and not from rival players.

Waratah has a long and proud Aboriginal history. Local legends Michael "Magic" McLean and the late, great Maurice Rioli both played for and coached the club. 

News of the race-based complaint has sent shock-waves through the Top End football community.

ABC Sport commentator Charlie King says racism has no place on NT sporting fields

"I thought we would have learned something from what happened to Adam Goodes but we haven’t. I mean when will we ever learn? I’m devastated about it and feel terrible about it," veteran ABC Sport broadcaster and Gurindji man Charlie King said.

AFLNT issued a statement confirming an investigation is underway.

It said it's working with stakeholders to understand exactly what happened and is committed to building a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

The matter will be handled via AFLNT's complaints process but it's not known how long that will take.

NTFL Playing Life Member Mark Motlop's son Aaron coaches the Wanderers. He says any investigation must be thorough and harsh penalties must be handed down if claims of racial abuse are proven.

"This competition is made up of almost 80 per cent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players so there’s no room for racism in footy here," he said.

"It can’t be just another thing where they say 'yep, we’ve had a look at it and this is our findings and this is the end of the story', there’s got to be more to it than that."

Waratah Football Club was not commenting.