Journalist gets banned by AFL club Brisbane Lions after hitting Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine with shocking racist abuse
A sports journalist faces a heavy suspension after making online insults against Adelaide star Izak Rankine following an ugly incident during the Crows’ defeat to the Brisbane Lions on Sunday.
Rankine is expected to be sidelined for a month as the MRO re-examines his controversial injury, which left Brandon Starcevich with a concussion.
Novice sports journalist Jakob Matheson made insulting comments to Rankine, posting two derogatory messages during the match.
In his first post, Matheson wrote: “Izak Rankine belongs back in the zoo.”
He continued: ‘Thank f***. Finally the FKN spud can not only go back to the zoo, but also enjoy his extended 12 week holiday in Bali.’
Both the posts and Matheson’s accounts have since been deleted.
Matheson has expressed his regret, saying he was “drunk and pissed off” when he posted the comments and that he is now “extremely remorseful” for his behaviour.
On LinkedIn, Matheson – who writes match reports for a South Australian magazine – describes himself as an aspiring sports and radio podcaster. He has also covered the Adelaide Footy League and SANFL.
Rankine was targeted with racist abuse on social media after he accused Brandon Starcevich
Starcevich suffered a concussion in the incident and Rankine now faces a four-week suspension
Matheson said he was “extremely sorry” [his] actions’ and has since deleted his social media accounts.
“I was a bit drunk and frustrated because he knocked out a Brisbane Lions player and I clearly didn’t think about it when I put it on Twitter,” he told the Adelaide Advertiser.
“I know I can’t help it. I clearly wasn’t thinking when I tweeted it.
I will make sure that something like this never happens again.
“I deeply regret this and offer my sincere apologies. I will do my best to inform myself in the future.”
Matheson revealed that the Brisbane Lions contacted him on Sunday evening to inform him that his membership had been revoked.
Pictured: The aspiring sports journalist’s first post about Rankine on Sunday
Jakob Matheson said he was angry and under the influence of alcohol when he made the second post about the Adelaide Crows star
In a statement, Brisbane Lions condemned Matheson’s comments.
“We condemn the comments made on social media about an Adelaide Crows player during last night’s match,” the club said.
‘They do not reflect the values of our club or our players.
The comments have been reported to AFL Integrity for further investigation.
‘The person’s membership has been terminated with immediate effect.’
The Adelaide Crows also released a statement supporting the ban on the fan who used the racist insult against Izak Rankine.
“The club offers support to Rankine after he was racially abused on social media by a Brisbane Lions member on Sunday,” the statement said.
“It is even more disappointing because it is NAIDOC week and a time when we should be celebrating Indigenous culture rather than focusing on vilification.”
Starcevich struggles to his feet after Rankine’s blow, which could cost both players time on the field
Rankine’s impending suspension seems simple, given his high contact with Starcevich was far off the ball. According to MRO guidelines, in-play bumps are considered careless because the player did not intend to commit a reportable violation.
However, off-ball incidents can be considered deliberate. This means Rankine could be charged with a deliberate, grievous blow, which could result in a potential sentence of more than four weeks.
If AFL match review officer Michael Christian rules the hit accordingly, Rankine would face immediate court action. This could result in him missing games against St Kilda, Essendon, Hawthorn and Geelong, which would be a significant loss for Adelaide given Rankine’s status as their most formidable match-winner.