Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham and chief executive Tom Harley have called for everyone in society to take responsibility for stamping out racism. 

Young Swans player Elijah Taylor was the victim of a racist attack from a social media troll on Tuesday evening, in the lead up to the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The Sydney Swans have been in contact with the AFL, with both parties at one in denouncing racism, and on this occasion the recent post directed at Elijah Taylor. The AFL integrity unit is undertaking a full investigation. 

Swans chairman Andrew Pridham said those who posted the comments are cowardly, and must be held to account.

“As a club and code we need to take a very strong stance on this,” Pridham said.

“We welcome the strongest possible action being taken should the author of the offending post be identified. 

“Elijah made a significant mistake and he knows it. We must now move forward. The comments directed at him are ugly and whoever is responsible should be ashamed.

“No Indigenous person – no person full stop – deserves that. It must be called out and people must understand the impact of their actions.”

The Swans chairman went on to say that it’s important that any actions taken in dealing with racial abuse be made in full consultation with, and according to, the wishes of the player directly affected.

“If someone is identified as having racially vilified another person they should be subjected to penalties that appropriately reflect the extreme emotional damage they cause. If the law does not have the strength to provide a sufficient deterrent then it is my belief that Legislation dealing with available sanctions for racial vilification should be materially strengthened,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking on SEN radio this morning, CEO Tom Harley said any form of racism is simply unacceptable.

“Elijah was subject to abhorrent racist abuse on his social media account. As a club, we have a strong history with Indigenous players and we are very proud of our support of our Indigenous players. We just won’t stand for the abuse he has received overnight,” Harley said.

“It is really important that as a society we close this out, because as a society surely we are better than that.”

Harley said the immediate focus is on the wellbeing of the 19-year-old forward and the club is supporting him through this.

Listen to the full interview with CEO Tom Harley on SEN radio below.