Taylor Walker‘s player manager was embroiled in a tense altercation with a fan at Adelaide‘s clash with Essendon over the Crows’ forward’s racist history, according to Caroline Wilson.
The senior footy journalist reported on Nine’s Footy Classified on Monday night that the blue, which occurred between the match-goer and TLA chief executive Craig Kelly on Sunday, was sparked by the fan’s booing, as well as “filthy” and “absolutely disgusting” language.
Walker made his AFL return at Melbourne’s Docklands Stadium from a six-game ban due to a racist slur.
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As Walker booted four goals from 18 touches in Adelaide’s four-point loss to Essendon, the former Crows captain was booed relentlessly by large sections of the crowd.
But the treatment Walker was receiving from one particular person in the crowd was so hostile that an AFL integrity officer got involved, Wilson said.
The Age columnist also claimed the integrity officer was satisfied Kelly had been “provoked”, justifying the retaliation of the former Collingwood defender.
Kelly argued with the fan that Walker was not a racist, Wilson added.
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Port Adelaide Hall of Famer Kane Cornes didn’t condone the disgusting language reportedly used by the fan, but he backed those who booed Walker.
“I felt fine about it. I was expecting him to be booed… he said one of the most vile things you can say to another human being,” Cornes said.
“Of course he would have expected to be booed, and he will continue to be booed.
“Now, there’s a line there and you’ve spoken about vile language in the crowd, Caro. We all understand where that line is.
“But if you’re a paid-up footy supporter you’re allowed to boo. I mean, Collingwood booed Joel Selwood. People have been booing great players for different reasons for a long time.
“I think (Walker) will continue to be booed.”
Walker made a racist remark about North Adelaide’s Robbie Young in a SANFL game last August.
He had time away from the club, undertook work with the indigenous community and did some considerable reflection.
Walker is contracted to Adelaide until the end of this year.
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