Racial slur case is delayed again

AFL A HEARING in relation to an alleged racial slur in the AFL Cairns grand final last month is still pending because the league is unable to contact a player involved in the incident.

It is alleged one of Port Douglas’ water carriers made a racist remark towards a Manunda footballer during the game at Cazalys Stadium, which the Crocs won.

A date, Monday of this week, had been set for conciliation between the two AFL Cairns clubs in an attempt to resolve the situation, but the Hawks player could not be contacted.

The Manunda footballer is believed to be away with work and has been uncontactable by the club in the past week.

Port Douglas have been left frustrated as their official travelled up from Melbourne for the conciliation, to have it postponed at the last minute.

AFL Cairns boss Gary Young is hopeful the situation can be resolved in the near future.

“There is a still a complaint out there that needs to be addressed and that has not happened yet because the key witness became unavailable,” Young said.

“We are trying to work through that and at the moment we cannot withdraw it. “It is still pending. “It is not like a minor striking charge that happens in games that can be withdrawn through lack of evidence — this is a serious allegation.”

The incident is alleged to have occurred during the recent seniors’ grand final, in which the Port Douglas Crocs beat the Manunda Hawks to win back-to-back AFL Cairns flags.