Sydney Swans fans back women’s team amid club scandal
Supporters of the Australian club Sydney Swans arrived at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney ahead of a historic double-header involving the women’s and men’s teams. Some fans said they had come primarily to support the AFLW team and might leave the venue before the start of the Sydney Swans men’s match against North Melbourne.
Players suspended
Sydney Swans suspended Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon for breaching the club’s internal standards regarding alcohol consumption and staying out late. This followed the team’s victory over Essendon in Melbourne the previous Sunday.
According to ABC News Australia, Victoria Police’s sexual crimes unit is separately examining reports of alleged sexual assault. According to ABC, the investigation concerns an allegation that one of the players may have touched one of the women without consent. Police have made no arrests and laid no charges.
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Support for the women’s team
Supporter Terry came to the stadium with a handmade sign reading “I’m here for AFLW.” She explained that she wanted to support the women’s team, stressing that she still loves the game and Sydney Swans but is disappointed by the events surrounding the club.
Another supporter, Meaghan Masters, said she supported the suspension of the five footballers until the end of the season, while noting that all the circumstances of the hotel incident are unknown. Fan Chris Lewis, who regularly attends AFLW matches in New South Wales, called the week one of the worst for football in the state and said he would probably not stay for the men’s game.
