Police called as footy star receives sickening abuse on social media with the AFL calling on bosses Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to provide more protection
- The police were called due to abuse on social media
- Footy stars have faced sickening abuse online
- Social media companies have been urged to tighten protections
The AFL has urged social media bosses to provide better protection against sickening online abuse after Harley Reid was targeted.
Reid’s West Coast coach Adam Simpson revealed this week that the level of abuse has risen so high ‘that you have to get the police involved’ in a wake-up call for teams across the country.
Teen sensation Reid and teammate Elliot Teo are among the Eagles stars being targeted online.
Meanwhile, Fremantle star Jordan Clark closed his social media accounts after being subjected to abuse.
“There needs to be more protection for players with social media,” Clark said.
Harley Reid has been the target of sickening online abuse on social media
North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood quit X over vile trolls
“Whether it’s racist, homophobic or just attacking someone, there needs to be more protection.”
North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood has removed himself from Twitter – now known as X – over gender-based abuse, while Western Bulldogs teenager Ryley Sanders has also deactivated his Instagram account.
However, it has been reported that Sanders was not interested in using the platform.
X is owned by Tesla billionaire Elon Musk, while Meta – the company that owns Facebook and Instagram – is run by Mark Zuckerberg.
The AFL says it can only take action against trolls if they are members of a club or the league. Alternatively, they can intervene if a player files a police report.
Social media bosses Elon Musk (left) and Mark Zuckerberg (right) have been urged to do more
“I have said numerous times to the social media platforms that we want them to do more to address these issues,” AFL Managing Director of Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said.
“There are several technologies we’re trying now to see if they can help prevent some of that hate speech from getting onto people’s platforms.
‘But we really have to continue training.
“Our targeted players are just doing their job and what they have to endure as a result is just heartbreaking and is once again taking its toll.
“So we really want to see more platforms set up to help.”