Ross Lyon has condemned the vile online abuse directed at Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, urging the public and the AFL community to call it what it is: hate, not just racism.
The 22-year-old St Kilda star was targeted on social media following the Saints' loss to Sydney, with a string of abusive messages reportedly linked to gambling-related frustrations.
Wanganeen-Milera, along with Port Adelaide’s Jase Burgoyne, called out the trolls earlier this week.
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“The standards you walk past are the standards you accept”
“It was hate, it was vehement, it was disgusting,” Lyon said on Friday. “We don’t stand for it as a club, and the AFL doesn’t, and the community shouldn’t."
“It’s more than racism—it’s hate. You know what? The standards you walk past are the standards you accept.”
The Saints coach said his young gun had handled the situation with maturity, staying focused in the lead-up to this weekend’s game against Geelong.
“Nas is a great person and he’s becoming a great player,” Lyon said.
“If anything, the power’s in how you respond. He’s got nothing to shy away from.
“Deep down, would it be really hurtful and uncomfortable? Yeah, but guess what? That’s out there … it was hate, it was vehement and it was disgusting.”
The AFL has condemned the “abhorrent racist remarks” and confirmed it is investigating the incident. Wanganeen-Milera, who remains out of contract, will line up for St Kilda on Sunday at GMHBA Stadium as they look to break a 25-year hoodoo in Geelong.