A powerful expression of support has been delivered to Adam Goodes overnight, amid the simmering scandal capturing the nation, as Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion has slammed crowds’ booing of the Brownlow Medalist—and the ensuing I’m-Not-Racist-But defence mechanism— as “ignorant”.
While Scullion acknowledged that not all audience members who boo Adam Goodes should be painted with the broad stroke of being “racist”, Scullion condemned the discourse and reasoning behind the scandal. “He is a fine Australian, he’s a fine sportsman and to be treated the way he’s being treated by crowds, what has he done to deserve that is the question,” Scullion said, according to ABC.
Scullion also criticised the justification spurting forth from many: “‘I don’t like how he plays’ — sorry, just doesn’t cut it.“
Scullion forewarned an even greater outcry and disappointment if Goodes did retire following the controversy. “This is a difficult challenge but it would be a blight on this nation if this man was to retire because some mob … have decided to follow blithely in the footprints of ignorance.”
And in a moving display of unity, the back cover of The Herald Sun today shows defiant support from AFL Captains in Australia.
Tomorrow’s back page tonight @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/FSryLX64ai
— damon johnston (@damonheraldsun) July 30, 2015
For every person booing you, Goodesy, there’s so many more cheering you on.
Via ABC.
Image by Cameron Spencer via Getty.
