- Izak Rankine was concussed by rival Dan Houston
- Port Adelaide player likely in court trouble
Port Adelaide fans have been criticised online for booing Crows star Izak Rankine as he was stretchered off the field after suffering a concussion in a shocking blow during his team’s defeat on Saturday night.
Star player Dan Houston could face a lengthy ban for the heavy blow that left Rankine lying on the grass at Adelaide Oval and caused worrying scenes.
Houston defeated Rankine with a shirt-front during the third quarter of a crucial victory over second-placed Power, 11.14 (80) to 8.10 (58).
Crows forward Rankine was eventually helped to his feet and wheeled off the ground on a medical cart, but was booed and jeered – and the football fans were furious.
‘Okay. I really don’t get how you can laugh, grin and tease when ONE player, regardless of the side, gets knocked out like that. @PAFC really shows its colours,’ someone wrote on X.
“The classy Port maggots are booing him,” added another fan.
‘Port fans writing Rankine off, that says it all. Absolutely disgusting players and fans!’ wrote another.
Other takes included: ‘Port fans are all celebrating at the stadium’, ‘Port is Port…wild!’ and ‘Very classy of that dirty guy booing Rankine’.
Pictured: Dan Houston (right) takes out Izak Rankine with a devastating hit on Saturday night
Crows star Rankine was booed by some Port fans as he was carried off the field with concussion during his team’s defeat at Adelaide Oval (pictured)
Football fans lashed out at ‘disgusting’ behaviour of Power fans
Pictured: Another post on X criticizing some Power fans for their reaction to Rankine being seriously injured
Because of the extensive contact and damage Rankine sustained, Houston will likely be taken to court immediately when the match reviewer’s findings are announced on Sunday.
This not only seriously jeopardises Houston’s participation in Port’s finals campaign, but also means he may never play for the Power again.
The 27-year-old, who has a contract until the end of 2027, is reportedly considering a move back to Victoria.
“Once he cools down there will be a moment,” Hinkley told reporters after the game.
‘He is a very good player, a special person.
“Anyone who has been involved in these kinds of situations, I’m sure … they know what’s going on. They feel the consequences of what happened.
“He waits to see what is presented to him and then he moves on.”
The attack on Rankine sparked a major clash between the Adelaide rivals (pictured)
“He’s a very, very good person. I can’t say it enough. And I know people are going to sit there and say, ‘I don’t care if he’s a very, very good person.’
“I do. I care about him. He’s a great guy.”
Port’s players were immediately aware of the potential consequences of the confrontation between Houston and Rankine.
They showed their support for their teammate in what Showdown Medal winner Zak Butters described as a “chaotic” situation.
“My thoughts are with Izak, you don’t want any player to have to deal with this. I hope he’s okay,” Butters said.
“But Dan is a valued team member. I love playing with him and if it was Dan or any of my other teammates, I would put my arms around him and support him.
“I felt we made him feel comfortable in a situation that was probably difficult for him.”
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks declined to comment on the incident itself, instead focusing on Rankine.
“His health and well-being are our priority right now,” Nicks said.
“He just wants to make sure he’s okay, and he is. He’s awake and moving, but we’re keeping a close eye on him.”