Lachie Neale drops explosive AFL truth bomb after online trolls react to Brisbane’s loss to Collingwood
Brisbane Lions champion Lachie Neale has launched a scathing attack on “cowardly” AFL fans after his team’s disappointing loss to Collingwood on Thursday night.
On Good Friday morning, a furious Neale vented on Instagram about online trolls, calling them a stain on society and saying it was getting out of hand.
“People hiding behind keyboards to attack players are the biggest stain on society,” Neale wrote in his Instagram story.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“It’s getting beyond a joke now, the things I’ve seen sent are some of the most horrific messages I’ve ever seen.
“It’s a game of football, grow the f**k up. Cowards.
“Put your face and name to your words.”
It remains unclear if Neale was reacting to personal abuse or abuse directed at a teammate, but it is thought to be at a teammate.
It was suspected by some that it might have to do with an aggrieved punter or punters who had lost money on a Lions player or the team or both.
“Lachie Neale dropping some truth bombs,” wrote veteran sports journalist Mark Gottlieb.
“The way people treat athletes on the field like they’re not human beings is utterly shameful. A lot of it is gambling too.”
Before the game at the Gabba (Brisbane’s home ground) on Thursday night, the reigning premiers were undefeated this season.
They started the match as warm favourites but were, surprisingly, belted by 52 points.
While the loss to a strong Collingwood team was not a complete surprise, the margin certainly was.
In a statement, Brisbane said they were “aware of a player receiving some appalling messages from online trolls following the match” at the Gabba.
“Unfortunately it is an ongoing issue players are having to deal with, we stand by them in calling it out,” a spokesperson said.
“The matter has been reported.”
Just two days ago, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley said there should be stronger laws to make social media account owners accountable.
Hinkley was reacting to racial abuse directed at his star forward, Willie Rioli, who shut down his personal social media accounts in the aftermath.
“It’s a disgrace,” Hinkley told reporters on Wednesday.
“It’s a disgrace the racism that still goes on in our world.
“With the way we talk about lots of things in society, and yet that is still tolerated and still allowed to go on.
“There almost should be a law that makes people accountable.”
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
