Rioli’s racism claims against Hawthorn aired in court documents

Three former Hawthorn players, headed by ex-champion Cyril Rioli, have provided detailed claims of their experiences as part of their racism court action against their former club.

Their statement of claim – which also includes Rioli’s wife, Shannyn Ah Sam-Rioli, his ex-teammates Carl Peterson and Jermaine Miller-Lewis, and Indigenous ex-official Leon Egan and the partner of another former player – alleges that, due to “unlawful discrimination” by Hawthorn, the players suffered “distress”, “psychological harm”, and “personal harm”.

In the case of the three players, it is also claimed that they suffered a “loss of earnings and loss of earning capacity”.

The players, their partners, and Egan have not specified an amount for damages in their claim, as is customary for Federal Court actions.

The claim, filed in the Federal Court of Australia, is the result of a breakdown in mediation talks with the Hawks at the Human Rights Commission.

In response to the claim, Hawthorn president Andy Gowers said: “As we have done throughout this process, we will continue to work towards a resolution in a fair and timely manner for all parties.

“The Federal Court process will importantly give Hawthorn Football Club the opportunity to respond to these allegations.

“Given the matter is now before the courts, it would be inappropriate to make any kind of comment that could impact on that process.”

More to come

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