South West Football League players make strong stand against racism after South Bunbury coach quits job

Players and umpires within the South West Football League are taking a stand against racism by standing arm-in-arm in a circle before matches. Before the first bounce of the league match-up between Busselton Magpies and Eaton Boomers at Bovell Park on Saturday, players and umpires stood in a circle. It comes after South Bunbury Football Club was fined $200 after the club was found guilty of racial vilification during a match against Carey Park last month. Carey Park forward Hayden Yarran said he was called a “yowie” while competing this month — a comment he said left him feeling worthless. The 30-year-old was lining up for goal late in the first quarter for Bunbury side Carey Park when he said he heard two opposing players from South Bunbury call him a “yowie” — a mythical creature from Aboriginal folklore resembling a monkey. Yarran said two players were identified during the hearing, but in a statement, the SWFL said following evidence from players, umpires, and club officials, the identity of the South Bunbury player could “not be established”. The SWFL said while the tribunal was unable to identify an individual, it established racial vilification did occur, and South Bunbury were found guilty, fined $200 and instructed to have their playing group repeat the league’s racial vilification seminar. After the SWFL’s decision, Yarran expressed his disappointment on social media, but was forced to remove his post after being told by the league he would be handed a six-week suspension and a $500 fine. The SWFL said they strongly condemn any form of racial vilification.