Name: AFL club cancels memberships over fan's Black Lives Matter anger
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AFL club cancels memberships over fan's Black Lives Matter anger

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"While we understand we’re not a political organisation ... it was a pretty straightforward decision for us." / Updated 13.06.2020Fremantle have wasted no time supporting their Indigenous players, the commitment to the Black Lives Matter movement and the AFL’s united stand against systemic racism.The Dockers took a knee alongside the Brisbane Lions on Saturday afternoon before their first game since March.Led by Richmond’s Indigenous players before Thursday night’s season restart game and supported by the AFL, all clubs will take part in the initiative this weekend.Analysis, local footy and the biggest moments, Seven and 7plus are the home of footy shows for every fan. Stream them all for free on The Tigers and Collingwood opened round two by taking a knee in the middle of the MCG, while Geelong and Hawthorn followed suit at Kardinia Park on Friday night.Fremantle did so at the Gabba on Saturday - but their involvement upset one member, who asked for a refund in the lead-up to the game.“I love my Dockers. I’ve left my 2020 membership with you,” they wrote on Twitter to the club.“But...... if our boys get on one knee on Saturday, I’m out. It’s only 2 x $900 memberships, but I will remove my membership.”Fremantle responded the following day and vowed to call the member to arrange the cancellation.“We are sorry you feel that way. One of our membership services representatives will call you shortly to process your refund,” the club said.The member responded half an hour later: “Thanks for the phone call and your understanding.”Fremantle have had at least one Indigenous player in their team for all but one game in their 26-year history as an AFL team.In the video below: AFL fans return in Adelaide“In reality one of the most important aspects of what our club was built on is our Indigenous players’ heritage and what they’ve contributed to Freo as people players,” Dockers CEO Simon Garlick told Mix radio on Saturday.“While we understand we’re not a political organisation and we understand people’s right to an opinion, when confronted with something like this it’s not aligned with our values. It was a pretty straightforward decision for us.”The club’s stance follows Indigenous star Michael Walters speaking out on the cause this week.“I just want to say, we are here, we’ve been here and we aren’t going anywhere,” Walters said.“To all of those sceptical about it, get used to it because we aren’t going anywhere. It’s not on us to change. It’s on you to change.”The Dockers’ actions to stand up as a club received plenty of praise from football fans on social media, while some even offered to fill the financial hole left by the member’s refund.“Hey guys, love this. Dogs supporter, but would love to somehow buy a membership (not a $900 one unfortunately) and donate it to someone who maybe can’t afford one. Is that possible?” Zach Schloeffel wrote.“Hey @freodockers - I’m a lifelong Bombers fan, but if this guy actually gets a refund please DM me and I’ll get two Dockers memberships in his place. Fabulous work guys,” Todd Davey replied.Fremantle weren’t the only sporting club to speak out against fans unhappy with players taking a stance against racism.Immediately after Parramatta’s NRL win over Penrith on Friday night, the rivals came together to take a knee in support of Indigenous Australians.A man’s threat to stop supporting the club over the players’ actions earned a sharp response.“Please feel free to unfollow,” Penrith wrote.Latest in SportBy Scott BaileyBy Murray WenzelBy Nick MarkhamLatest in SportBy Scott BaileyBy Murray WenzelBy Nick Markham

"While we understand we’re not a political organisation ... it was a pretty straightforward decision for us." / Updated 13.06.2020Fremantle have wasted no time supporting their Indigenous players, the commitment to the Black Lives Matter movement and the AFL’s united stand against systemic racism.The Dockers took a knee alongside the Brisbane Lions on Saturday afternoon before their first game since March.Led by Richmond’s Indigenous players before Thursday night’s season restart game and supported by the AFL, all clubs will take part in the initiative this weekend.Analysis, local footy and...

AFL club cancels memberships over fan's Black Lives Matter anger

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