The Fowler incident is the latest racism claim by an Australian sportsperson. In 2024, Roosters NRL forward Spencer Leniu was suspended for eight matches for calling Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mann a monkey, South Sydney rugby league superstar Latrell Mitchell has been the target of alleged racial abuse throughout his career, while Fowler’s Matildas teammate Lydia Williams has routinely spoken about her experiences with racism in women’s soccer.
Fowler said she and Weerden experienced differential treatment throughout her second year at the club, including being scolded for driving home from practice together because Fowler didn’t have her licence.
“Moments like this made it hard for us to not notice we were being treated differently to other players,” she said.
Fowler also recalled treatment from a physiotherapist at the club who accused her of making up chest pain when it had previously been dismissed by the club’s doctor.
Mary Fowler takes on England at the World Cup.Credit: Reuters
“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Frustrated, I told him I wasn’t making it up, that I could never make up something that could be related to my heart,” she said. But the physiotherapist said the club’s coaching staff believed she was making it up. It led to a heated discussion which Fowler said taught her to stick up for herself.
Fowler also talks about how she struggled with her natural hair and wondered if she was sending the wrong message to fans during the 2023 World Cup at home in Australia.
“At the World Cup, I would straighten my hair before each game to put it up in the bubble braid … I couldn’t help but wonder if, as a black woman, I was unintentionally sending a message to young black girls that I wasn’t comfortable with my natural hair. That I thought straight hair looked more beautiful and professional than curly hair.”
Loading
In a chapter Fowler said was the most important to her, she recalls her experience with depression and how, while living in France, she had begun to self-harm.
“My intention for sharing this part of my story is to put something out into the world that maybe could’ve helped my younger self.”
If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.