An Aussie rules football star has become embroiled in a social media storm after sexist comments flooded a tweet showing her scoring a goal.
Channel 7’s AFL profile tweeted a post with a picture of Tayla Harris just after she kicked the ball.
The broadcaster then faced backlash for removing the post as well as criticism over its handling of trolls posting comments.
The footballer said she was “sexually abused” on social media and wants to take action against those who flooded the tweet with sexual comments.
The federal government joined a chorus of condemnation of Wednesday, when minister for women Kelly O'Dwyer said she was "disgusted" by the trolling.
Harris told RSN radio: “The comments I saw were sexual abuse, if you can call it that, because it was repulsive and it made me uncomfortable.
“That is what I would consider sexual abuse on social media.”
In a reaction to 7AFL’s removing of the post, Harris proudly reposted the image, writing: “Here’s a pic of me at work… think about this before your derogatory comments, animals.”
The tweet has been liked more than 44,000 times and retweeted by more than 6,000 people with #StandWithTayla and #GoTaylaGo tending on social media.
7AFL has since apologised for removing the post by publishing the picture again with the caption: “We’re sorry. Removing the photo sent the wrong message.
“Many of the comments made on the post were reprehensible & we’ll work harder to ban trolls from our page.”
The photo was taken by Michael Willson for AFL Media, during the first two minutes of the AFLW’s Pride Game between the Western Bulldogs and Carlton, when Harris scored the first goal of game.
7AFL captioned it with “Photo of the Year” on its social media page on Monday, attracting numerous comments and praise.
However, many sexist and abusive remarks also flooded the post and the next day it was removed with the short statement from Channel 7 explaining why.
Adelaide footballer Erin Phillips, considered the AFLW’s best player, was among many athletes who decried the abusive online responses.
“There is a lot of trolls that get away with things that shouldn’t be allowed,” Phillips said.
“But in saying that, what a fantastic response from the community to get behind Tayla.
“It has empowered her. And it has shown to the community, to Australia, that it’s unacceptable to troll and put people down.”
