Oz football club Collingwood fans 'racially abuse' Fijian Eagle star

Canberra, Sept 11 (ANI): In yet another case of racial vilification surfacing on Australian football, a small group of Collingwood fans hurled abuse at West Coast ruckman of Fijian origin during their team's 20-point win in the first qualifying final.

At the height of the abuse, Magpies fans subjected the young Eagle, Nic Naitanui, to derogatory jibes about his ethnicity and appearance.

According to News.com.au, a fan, not believed to be a member of the official supporters' group, was heard to scream, "You weak black c Naitanui was also constantly the target for other Pies fans, the report said.

Some chanted "tip rat" each time he touched the ball.

"Tip rat" as an insult aimed at degrading a person's socio-economic background or someone who has the characteristics of a rodent living near land used for storing human waste.

According to the report, West Coast fans also complained of Collingwood cheer squad members making offensive "junkie" hand gestures in reference to former champion Eagle Ben Cousins' much-publicised battle with drug problems. (ANI)