The Stream

Aboriginal Australian footballer fields growing racism

‘War dance’ on field provokes debate over racism.

Adam Goodes, one of the most prominent Australian football players, is once again at the center of a heated debate over racism in the sport. Last week, Goodes, who is indigenous, was booed throughout a match. Coming to his defense, his fellow indigenous teammate Lewis Jetta did a “war dance” and mimicked a spear-throwing gesture at the opposing team’s fans. The gesture sparked a furor online over whether the jeers were racially motivated.