THE furore which has surrounded AFL star Adam Goodes and dominated conversation in main stream and social media is "extremely disappointing", according to Dubbo Councillor Rod Towney.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Goodes, who has played a club record 365 AFL games for the Sydney Swans, and is a dual premiership and Brownlow medallist, has been consistently booed and jeered by opposition fans over a sustained period of time, and it has become more intense in recent months.
This week, Goodes took time off from his training commitments as he has struggled to cope with the stress the controversy has caused him and won't play against Adelaide on Saturday.
Goodes is a highly respected player in the AFL and wider community, and was named Australian of the Year in 2014 for his community work through the Go Foundation and advocacy against racism.
Cr Towney, who is the TAFE Western Director of Aboriginal Education and Equity provision, believed most Australians, whether they be Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, were disappointed by the treatment Mr Goodes had received.
"As an Australian of the year and a man who is respected by the men in the know like the Prime Minister and the AFL hierarchy, he doesn't deserve what is happening," he told the Daily Liberal yesterday.
"I've been reading in the media that he is going to stand down and it will be a shame if that happens as he has been a great role model.
"He is a proud man which is great to see and he deserves a lot more respect and all should get behind him."
Dubbo Demons club president Mick Haley encouraged everyone, regardless of their opinion of Goodes, to play all sport in the right spirit.
"Myself and all sportsmen don't mind sledging and barracking for your team or against the team you're playing for, but its disappointing when it is at this level," he said.
"Whatever sport you are involved in, you need to appreciate skill and toughness of players.
"You have someone who is entitled to his beliefs and opinions and who has done so much on a sporting field and the community, and regardless of your opinion he should be respected."
Cr Towney, who himself is a sporting all rounder having played rugby league, soccer, cricket and a keen swimmer, shared the same sentiments as Mr Haley.
"I don't mind booing but its gone too far and there are personal and racial elements to it," he said.
"It isn't everyone but it is something we need to stop and we need to support him and you show support and respect everyone on and off the sporting field."
