Josh Rachele and the Adelaide Crows have found themselves in hot water after a ball kicked into the crowd by the AFL star was discovered to have an expletive written across it.
The Sherrin was claimed by a nine-year-old fan during the round eight Showdown against Port Adelaide. However, the child’s grandfather was forced to quickly cover up the ball after noticing the phrase “f— the Power” was scrawled clearly on the leather.
That night, the Crows bested their local rivals in a tense Showdown game by a single point, 11.10 (76) to 11.9 (75).
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When contacted, the Adelaide club sent the following statement to Wide World of Sports.
The ball was kicked into the crowd and caught by a young fan. Getty
“It is clearly not appropriate and we have addressed it with the player in question,” the club said.
“Their behaviour in this instance was disappointing and regrettable, and we have apologised to the person who brought it to our attention.”
Josh Rachele kicked the ball into the crowd. via Getty Images
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Rachele has been vocal about abusive messages he received after his side’s win against Richmond the following week, asking AFL fans to “choose kindness” after he reposted messages sent to him on social media.
The Crows play Hawthorn Thursday night in Launceston, Tasmania.