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4 months ago
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A sports journalist is facing a severe ban for directing online abuse at Adelaide star Izak Rankine following an ugly incident in the Crows' loss to the Brisbane Lions on Sunday.
Rankine is likely to be sidelined for a month as the MRO reviews his contentious bump, which resulted in Brandon Starcevich being concussed.
Aspiring sports journalist Jakob Matheson targeted Rankine with offensive remarks, making two derogatory posts during the match.
In his first post, Matheson wrote, 'Izak Rankine belongs back in the zoo.'
He followed up with, 'Thank f***. Finally, the FKN spud can not only go back to the zoo but also enjoy his extended 12-week Bali holiday.'
Both the posts and Matheson's accounts have since been deleted.
Matheson has expressed regret, stating he was 'intoxicated and p***ed off' when he posted the comments and is now 'extremely remorseful' for his behavior.
On LinkedIn, Matheson - who writes match reports for a South Australian magazine - describes himself as an aspiring sports and radio podcaster. He has also covered the Adelaide Footy League and SANFL.
Rankine was targeted with racial abuse on social media after his bump on Brandon Starcevich
Starcevich was concussed in the incident and Rankine is now facing a four-week ban
Matheson said he he was 'extremely sorry about [his] actions' and has since removed his social media accounts.
'I was a bit intoxicated and frustrated because he knocked out a Brisbane Lions player and I obviously wasn't thinking when I tweeted it,' he told the Adelaide Advertiser.
'I know there is nothing I can do, I obviously wasn't thinking when I tweeted it.
'I'll make sure nothing like this ever happens again.
'I am extremely remorseful and solemnly apologise and will do better to educate myself in the future.'
Matheson revealed that the Brisbane Lions contacted him on Sunday night to inform him that his membership had been revoked.
Pictured: The first post from the aspiring sports journalist made about Rankine on Sunday
Jakob Matheson said he was angry and under the influence of alcohol when he made the second post about the Adelaide Crows star
In a statement, the Brisbane Lions condemned Matheson's comments.
'We condemn the social media comments made towards an Adelaide Crows player during the match last night,' the club said.
'They do not reflect the values of our club or our players.
'The comments have been reported to AFL Integrity for further investigation.
'The individual's membership has been cancelled immediately.'
The Adelaide Crows also issued a statement supporting the ban on the fan who made the racial slur against Izak Rankine.
'The Club is providing support to Rankine after he was racially abused on social media by a Brisbane Lions member on Sunday,' the statement read.
'It is even more disappointing given it is NAIDOC Week and a time at which we should be celebrating Indigenous culture rather than dealing with vilification.'
Starcevich struggles to his feet after the hit from Rankine, which could cost both players time on the field
Rankine's impending suspension seems straightforward, given his high contact with Starcevich was far off the ball. According to MRO guidelines, in-play bumps are considered careless because the player did not intend to commit a reportable offense.
However, incidents off the ball can be deemed intentional, meaning Rankine could be charged with an intentional, severe impact hit, resulting in a potential four-plus-week penalty.
If AFL match review officer Michael Christian assesses the hit accordingly, Rankine would be required to appear directly before the tribunal. This could lead to him missing games against St Kilda, Essendon, Hawthorn, and Geelong, which would be a significant loss for Adelaide, given Rankine's status as their most formidable match-winner.
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