Ex-Hawthorn Football Club players allege they were subjected to ‘racist culture’ in court claim

Allegations against the Hawthorn Football Club have been outlined in court documents, with Indigenous ex-players claiming they were subjected to a “racist culture” and told to abandon plans to have families.

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Specific details of the allegations can now be revealed, after the Federal Court of Australia released a statement of claim made by the lead plaintiff in the case, Cyril Rioli, who played for the Hawks between 2007 and 2018.

“As we have done throughout this process, we will continue to work towards a resolution in a fair and timely manner for all parties,” he said.

 

Rioli, Carl Peterson and Jermaine Miller-Lewis, who are all Indigenous, are suing the Hawks and seeking unspecified damages, citing distress, psychological and cultural harm and a loss of earning capacity.

Some of the allegations have been levelled against former club heavyweights, including premiership-winning coach Alastair Clarkson and general managers Chris Fagan and Jason Burt.

In a statement, Hawthorn Football Club president Andy Gowers said it would be inappropriate to make a comment that could impact the matter while it was before the courts.

“As we have done throughout this process, we will continue to work towards a resolution in a fair and timely manner for all parties,” he said.

“The Federal Court process will importantly give Hawthorn Football Club the opportunity to respond to these allegations.”