ON BEHALF of the Melbourne Football Club, chairman Glen Bartlett has strongly condemned the racial vilification of Harley Bennell on social media last night.

An offensive comment, which appeared following Melbourne’s Round 6 match against Gold Coast, was posted in reply to a video shared on the AFL’s official Twitter account. 

The tweet was later deleted by the user. 

“There is just no place for this racist behaviour in our game and in society,” Bartlett said.

“It’s incredibly frustrating that comments of this nature continue to be made, and it’s important that we, as a football community, don’t shy away from what’s right.

“We all have a responsibility to call this behaviour out and hold these individuals to account. It is simply not okay to remain silent.

“I am already in discussions and intend to follow up key Federal and Victorian Government Ministers to explore what can be done to strengthen laws to make people accountable and stamp out this abhorrent behaviour.

“The club stands with Harley, and strongly against the vilification of our people. We will continue to drive the importance of listening, learning and educating.”

Melbourne has established that the author of the tweet is not a member.