Expats ruining footy for Chinese

The Chinese Aussie rules team from Guangzhou, members of which played on Australia Day and suffered racist abuse from Australian spectators. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL's push into China is being marred by unruly expatriates who hurl insults from the sidelines and want to play only against fellow Aussies.

Former Melbourne man Darrell Egan says the Chinese no longer want to play because of the ugly attitude of Australian players.

A recent video showing a game hosted by the Australian Consulate in Macau was indicative of the racist attitudes, he said.

Australian spectators can be heard yelling insults at players, including Chinese recruits, during the match on Australia Day.

"This game appears to be about expat egos and race exclusiveness ... not what is good for footy in Asia," Mr Egan said.

The footy enthusiast, and former Heathmont Football Club member, has established Macau's only all-Chinese team, but said he had struggled for support from expatriate teams.

"The new Australians coming over have a terrible attitude. The locals love the game, but are increasingly put off by the way Australians play it."

Mr Egan said there was also no offer of a support structure from the AFL to help establish local teams run by the Chinese.

It is understood Jill Collins, the Australian Consul to Guangzhou, spoke at the Australia Day event at the Guangzhou cricket grounds. She was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Multicultural sports expert Nick Hatzoglou said the behaviour in the video wasn't a good look.

"It seems like the kind of behaviour that could be a huge barrier and is not conducive to engaging with new markets," he said.

The AFL said yesterday it encouraged expatriates to get involved with local AFL competitions overseas, provided matches were played in a "welcoming and inclusive environment to reflect the AFL's values".

Spokeswoman Michelle Clyne said the AFL's focus in China was establishing an academy program.

"The AFL does not directly fund any international teams, but works through AFL affiliate bodies in targeted regions."

aaron.langmaid@news.com.au

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