The aunt of a nine-year-old boy has shared a heartbreaking video of her nephew’s tearful plea after he was allegedly hit with a barrage of racism during an AFL training session.
Anawain Gamilaroi woman Shaylee Matthews shared the video on her LinkedIn account on Friday, saying it revealed the “harsh reality” of racism in the country.
Her cousin Jarmilles, dressed in his team jersey, is seen crying in the front seat of her car as he talks about the alleged racist abuse inflicted on him during training.
‘I hate it when you talk about the color of my skin. I hate it when you call me black. I hate it when you call me monkey. It has to stop,” Jarmilles said.
‘I’m tired of this. I don’t want there to be racism. I’m done with it. It must be over.’
Haylee Matthews shared a heartbreaking video of her nine-year-old nephew Jarmilles crying in the front seat of her car after he was allegedly hit with a barrage of racism during an AFL training
When asked if he was doing well, Jarmilles replied, “No. I want to go home and go to bed now.’
Ms Matthews, who works as a civil servant for the ACT Government, said the video exposed the racism Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experience in society.
‘This post and the videos shared are my 9, soon to be 10 year old nephew’s experiences during AFL training (playing a game he loves), highlighting the harsh reality of racism that persists in our society, especially during National Reconciliation Week (with the theme Now More Than Ever,” Ms. Matthews wrote.
“It is a call to action for all of us to confront privilege, challenge learned racism, and dismantle the systemic problems that perpetuate injustice for Indigenous youth.”
“The hurtful comments and behavior Jarmiles faces not only reflect individual ignorance, but also contribute to wider systemic inequities.”
Ms Matthews called on the public to use Reconciliation Week as an opportunity to fight racism and advocate for change.
“We must advocate for change, demand accountability and ensure that all children, regardless of background, are treated with dignity and respect,” Ms Matthews wrote.
‘By standing in solidarity, raising our voices and actively working towards a more just and inclusive society, we can create a future where every child feels safe, valued and supported.
“Let’s turn this moment of pain into a catalyst for meaningful change and a better future for all our children.”
The video is reminiscent of other incidents where racist abuse has been hurled at indigenous people.
On Friday, retired AFL star Eddie Betts shared CCTV footage of his children being racially abused while playing basketball outside their home.
In the footage, the unidentified occupants of a car can be heard shouting vicious abuse in the direction of Betts’ home before his children run inside.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell referred to the drive-by incident in his post-match press conference on Saturday.
The video is reminiscent of footage shared by retired AFL star Eddie Betts, which showed his children being racially abused while playing basketball at their home.
Mitchell used the conference to address racism against players, claiming that those who make racist comments are not welcome at the club.
“I just want to make it clear that if, as a Hawthorn person, you have any form of racism in you, we don’t want you as part of our club,” Mitchell said.
“So while we’re all enjoying a fantastic win, and we should all be enjoying it, unfortunately some parts of our Hawthorn family can’t enjoy it because of what the heroes on their keyboards think they can do.
“And anyone who ever wears brown and gold, we don’t want you.”
Jarmilles’ tearful plea also echoed a video from native Quayden Bayles that his mother shared in 2022.
The video showed Quayden in the backseat of a car extremely upset after a bullying incident.