Police in Victoria have launched an investigation following the confronting video shared by AFL legend Eddie Betts which shows a person driving past his home and yelling racial abuse at his children and friends.
The security footage, shared on Instagram by Betts last night, shows a white car slowly driving down the road before someone in the car yells out the same racial slur four times.
“Aboriginal kids deserve to be able to play safely, free from racism and abuse over the fence,” Betts said.
“We are not even safe in our own homes.
“If you know who this is please let me them know that I’m open to having a chat about how much this hurts our kids.”
Victoria Police this afternoon confirmed it is investigating the incident after receiving a report.
“It’s alleged a vehicle drove past the property just after 8.30pm and yelled from the windows before driving away,” police said.
“The matter is currently being investigated.”
In an earlier statement released this morning, a police spokesperson said racist abuse should be reported and called for information about the incident from the public.
“Victoria Police take these matters very seriously,” the spokesperson said.
“Crimes motivated by prejudice cause serious harm to victims, often leaving them, and their communities, feeling vulnerable, threatened and isolated.
“Victoria Police do not tolerate violence, including that which is motivated by prejudice, racism or discrimination.
“People who experience or witness crimes or incidents motivated by prejudice should report them to police at their local police station.”
Meanwhile, the AFL has reached out to the former star forward to offer him and his family its support.
“Once again, we find ourselves in a position where we must express our strongest condemnation against another example of overt racism, this time targeting children playing sport in their own front yard,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said in a joint statement with the league’s general manager of inclusion and social policy, Tanya Hosch.
“We acknowledge the leadership of Eddie Betts for bringing this to national attention.
“Racism is wrong. Racism is harmful. Racism requires a response…
“We invite everyone to follow Eddie’s example in calling out racism when you hear, read or see it. We invite everyone to report racism wherever possible.
“The AFL wish to express our love and best wishes for healing, for the children and families who were subject to the racist abuse shared in the video last night.”
Betts was sent many messages of support from across the AFL community and beyond after sharing the vision.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the abuse “sickening and disgusting”, the Western Bulldogs said it was “disgraceful” and Melbourne star Christian Petracca called the incident “disgusting”.
This morning, Betts uploaded two fresh videos of his children playing basketball.
“Thanks everyone for your support,” he said.
“It’s not going to stop the kids from playing ball.”
Betts has been vocal in calling out racial abuse of players at AFL games and online, along with highlighting the difficulties experienced by young Aboriginal kids.
During his playing career he was repeatedly subjected to racial abuse on social media and during games, and on one occasion had a banana thrown at him by a spectator.
His 2021 autobiography, The Boy from Boomerang Crescent, also made distressing new allegations about an infamous pre-season training camp at the Adelaide Crows that the 35-year-old said was “particularly and extremely disrespectful to my culture”.
