06 March 2020

Australian newspaper shuts down comments on women's Aussie rules coverage due to vicious trolling

An Australian newspaper has made the drastic decision to axe comments from its coverage of women's Aussie rules because of abusive and sexist remarks.

The Herald Sun said they had received appeals from players, fans and commentators to turn off comments after months of abusive posts.

It is understood one story received almost 300 comments of a "sexist tone" from online trolls.

Last year Prime Minister Scott Morrison dubbed online trolls who attacked Tayla Harris as 'cowardly grubs'.

Harris was bombarded with derogatory comments underneath a picture on social media that showed her kicking while playing for the Carlton Blues.

"My hamstring is okay but derogatory and sexist comments aren't," wrote the 22-year-old.

Head of sport at Herald Sun, Matt Kitchin said: "The least offensive of the comments runs to the tune of 'get back in the kitchen' and the worst cannot be repeated they are so objectionable.

"Players, commentators, fans and clubs have all appealed to the Herald Sun to shut off the comments. And we've heard them."

The move comes two weeks after Harris took to Twitter to share her views and even offered to give up her pay in order for the AFL to employ someone to monitor online trolling and bullying.

"God damn I'll give up my AFLW wage to employ someone to monitor this, public bullying is a ripple effect to young people in schools and communities that lead to mental health issues and suicide." 

She called on the sports governing body the AFL to 'be a leader in this space'.

"Ignoring these comments is not a solution. Fight back," she urged.

Her outspokenness received support from a number of notable Australian female sports stars including former world champion netballer-turned-AFL player Sharni Layton.

She said: "I'm furious. I'm so proud of Tay for standing up. Enough is enough of this trolling. AFL, I'm asking you to stand up and not stand for this anymore."

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