Supporters held banners in support of women as others expressed conflicted feelings at SCG double-header
Some Sydney Swans fans have walked out of the Sydney Cricket Ground in protest during a historic double-header amid a scandal that has shaken Australian football.
Five AFL players – Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon – have been stood down for the rest of the season by the Swans for breaching the club’s standards, including drinking and bringing women back to their hotel after their round 23 win over Essendon.
Victoria police are investigating an alleged sexual assault early on 17 August at a Pullman hotel in East Melbourne, where the Sydney Swans were staying.
Sydney’s AFLW side took on Essendon on Sunday at the SCG before the men’s side closed out its regular season against North Melbourne.
But after the women’s team beat the Bombers by 24 points, hundreds of Swans fans streamed out before the AFL clash.
In the lead-up, some lifelong Swans fans were wrestling with whether to show their support for the men’s side.
Shayal, a Swans member, said she felt a sombre mood on the light rail heading to the game, adding that she would be leaving after the women’s match.
“I’m only planning to stay for the women’s game and then leaving before the men’s game,” she said.
“I’ve been a member for over 10 years, and it just doesn’t feel right. And I’m not sure if I’ll renew my membership again.”
Other fans said they still supported the club despite feeling disappointed in the players who were stood down.
Daniel, a member for 26 years, said he would be staying for both games.
“I will be watching both. It’s ultimately a club. It’s ultimately both teams,” he said. “I think it’s the fact that those five players are not out there which made me comfortable to stay to watch the men’s game.”
Swans fan Kate Hipsley also said she wouldn’t be walking out.
“As far as we know, the men playing in the men’s game have not done anything wrong and they will be hurting as well,” she said.
