The full interview is available on SUNS TV
The Gold Coast SUNS lodged an official complaint with the AFL on Monday after Joel Wilkinson informed the club that he was racially vilified by a spectator during Sunday’s match against Collingwood at the MCG.
Gold Coast SUNS CEO Travis Auld said he was pleased that the complaint was treated with the seriousness required and that the club and Wilkinson were satisfied with the outcome.
“The Gold Coast SUNS and Joel Wilkinson are extremely disappointed that the incident took place, however we commend the AFL, the Collingwood Football Club and in particular Dale Thomas for dealing with this serious matter both swiftly and appropriately.”
“Joel has the absolute support of the Gold Coast SUNS, we admire his courage and we will ensure he continues to receive the support he deserves.”
Auld said the club was proud of the role Wilkinson plays as a Multicultural Ambassador of the Gold Coast SUNS and the AFL.
“The Gold Coast SUNS are very proud of the work Joel does across the Gold Coast educating school children about multicultural issues, it is a role he is very passionate about and we will continue to support him in his delivery of these programs,” Auld said.
Despite being disappointed that the incident took place, Wilkinson praised Dale Thomas and the Collingwood supporters in the vicinity of the incident.
“I was shocked when the incident took place and it was extremely upsetting at the time, but the actions of Dale Thomas and a number of Collingwood supporters in the area certainly demonstrate that the overwhelming majority of society finds this behaviour to be unacceptable.”
“I hope by standing up and raising awareness of this issue goes a long way to ensuring that no other player or spectator will be vilified at sporting events or in society in the future.”
Wilkinson thanked the Gold Coast SUNS and his teammates, the AFL and the Collingwood Football Club for supporting him and promptly dealing with the issue.
“I want to personally thank Dale Thomas and the Collingwood Football Club for standing up and saying that what happened is unacceptable. I also want to thank the Gold Coast SUNS, my teammates and the AFL for their support and commitment to make a difference on and off the field when it comes to racial and religious vilification.”
