The Western Bulldogs have confirmed that Justin Sherman was involved in an on-field incident during Saturday’s game against the Gold Coast Suns in which he racially vilified an opponent.
A conciliation process put in place following a complaint made in regard to the incident, under the Australian Football League’s (AFL) Racial and Religious Vilification Code, has now been resolved and settled.
This confidential conciliation has had the full co-operation of Justin and the Western Bulldogs.
Justin has apologised to the Gold Coast Suns player involved and this apology has been accepted as part of the conciliation process.
Justin will also be unavailable for selection for the Western Bulldogs for four weeks as an outcome of the conciliation process.
The Western Bulldogs President, David Smorgon, Board of Directors and Management fully support the outcomes of the conciliation, which is absolutely in line with the Club’s zero tolerance approach to racial vilification.
Justin will make a $5,000 contribution to a nominated charity organisation and he will play a significant role in a number of our key multicultural and community programs.
Justin will also volunteer for the Red Dust Role Models program an initiative that provides mentoring and support in remote indigenous communities.
“Saturday's incident goes against the Western Bulldogs core values and stands in absolute contrast to everything that the Club stands for,” Simon Garlick Western Bulldogs Chief Executive said today.
“The Western Bulldogs not only embrace and celebrate diversity we are proud and active champions for tolerance and social inclusion in our community.
“We will use this incident as a catalyst to ensure we continue to play a leading role in promoting and facilitating programs that teach acceptance and respect”.
Due to the confidential nature of the AFL conciliation process the Club is not in a position to go into details of the incident or other parties involved.
The Club and Player will not be making any further comment on this matter at this time.
