Why furious footy fans are slamming the AFL’s plan to have every team take a stand on violence against women as ‘hypocritical grandstanding’

Angry footy fans have slammed the AFL’s plan to take a stand on violence against women, insisting any team making the gesture this weekend is merely ‘hypocritical grandstanding’ and ‘virtue signalling’.

The AFL has confirmed stars from all clubs will stand arm-in-arm before all eight matches to put a spotlight on gender-based violence.

Players, coaches and referees gather in the center of the field to form a circle and pay a silent tribute to the women who lost their lives, before an MC reads a statement to the crowd.

However, many footy fans have rejected the move, insisting the AFL is hypocritical for appearing to welcome a player like Tarryn Thomas, who has been found guilty of domestic violence-related conduct.

“Nothing more than hypocritical grandstanding,” one fan wrote on X.

Fans have called the AFL’s plan hypocritical as Bombers coach Brad Scott said he would like to see Tarryn Thomas back in the game after he was sacked for inappropriate behavior with women.

“Remember, it’s not just Tarryn Thomas who commits violence against women. You have media (Wayne Carey), other current and former players (read Night Games, Milne). There is so much within and around AFL and footy culture. The AFL needs drastic action, not just lights and hugs,” said another.

‘It’s all grand… don’t buy it a second time! Tarryn Thomas is coming back, which is disgusting enough!” wrote another.

“And yet Tarryn Thomas will be back on the list next year and the AFL media will trumpet it on every platform and this will all be just another act of virtue,” a third replied.

Footy fans were unimpressed with the league’s plan to make a statement on Australia’s violence against women problem

Many were quick to point out that controversial former North Melbourne star Tarryn Thomas appears to be on the verge of a comeback following comments from Bombers boss Brad Scott

This message from football reporter Tom Morris was a lightning rod for fans who see this round’s gesture by all teams as hollow

Pictured: Another example of a footy supporter believing the possibility of Thomas returning to first grade casts a shadow over the planned statement in round eight

This fan accused the AFL of merely ticking boxes in an act of ‘virtue signalling’

Other commenters wrote: “Oh well, that should stop things from happening again,” “Get your own house in order. You’re not the person the public goes to for advice” and “It’s all just lip service if they allow men accused of assaulting women [to] play AFL.”

Another Don’t listen to what they say, watch what they do. This weekend should be called Hypocrisy Round.’

Radio host Tom Elliott has also called out the AFL for employing “double standards” on social issues.

“You can’t have it both ways,” he continued 3AW.

“You can’t make such a big statement about domestic violence and then welcome a player who has been found guilty of conduct related to domestic violence.”

Domestic abuse campaigner Phil Cleary also slammed the competition, accusing it of ignoring an event designed to highlight the issue of domestic abuse.

Cleary’s sister Vicki was murdered by her ex-partner in 1987 and an annual VFL match is now played in her honour.

Cleary says the AFL did not bother to attend or support the event.

“We have Vicki Cleary Day in 2017 and we’ve had five,” he told Elliott.

AFL great Jimmy Bartel says he is concerned about the possibility of disgraced former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas returning to the AFL soon

“The AFL has never attended or spoken to me about formally approving that day.”

AFL great Jimmy Bartel has also issued a stark warning to the AFL about the message that would be sent if Tarryn Thomas returns to the football field next season.

‘It makes me feel very uncomfortable. I understand the whole premise of forgiveness and opportunity, he has had a number of opportunities with his alleged behaviour,” Bartel said on Nine’s Footy Classified show.

Bartell, who experienced and witnessed horrific domestic violence as a child, feels the sport should have a more zero-tolerance attitude.

“I’m open to all discussions, but I feel incredibly uncomfortable that we have players arm in arm, that another woman dies… I just find it very difficult.”