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Port Adelaide CEO addresses Rioli, clarifies call for greater transparency
SEN • May 9th, 2025 6:55 pm
Port Adelaide’s CEO has broken his silence on the recent incidents involving Willie Rioli.
Following the AFL’s sanction and Port Adelaide’s statement, CEO Matthew Richardson has expressed his side’s backing of the 29-year-old, acknowledging his wrongdoing and confirming the club’s support.
Richardson also addressed the club's statement in regards to transparency in dealing with First Nations' incidents.
“The base of it is that Willie absolutely off the field made an error and sent a message to a player which he shouldn't have done,” Richardson told SEN SA’s The Run Home.
“Willie has acknowledged that and we're really supportive of (him).”
“I guess there's a lot of complexity in this whole issue and as you said, it has sort of dragged across the week.
“But the issue wasn't related to what happens on field. That's far more complex and I think that's where there's a line between banter and abuse.
“A couple of incidents that Willie had been involved in previously, people became aware of, and that saw the investigation reopened.
“There’s a lot of complexity in this issue and it has dragged across the week. The issue doesn’t relate to what happened on-field, that is more complex. This sort of stuff happens all the time but there’s a line where it crosses from being banter.
“Willie withdrew himself from the game for not only his best interests but also for everyone else.
“(We are) disappointed with Willie in terms of his off-field actions. He knows that, he knows he has to get better. We’re putting our support around Willie, because our very strong view is that the best environment for Willie is in and around the football club.
“The purpose of our statement yesterday was in support of the AFL’s want for greater transparency surrounding on-field issues.
“It is complex. To suggest that these are exceptional incidents for First Nations' and multicultural players, as opposed to being a persistent and ongoing reality, our players are subject to this stuff not just on the sporting field.
“If you think about some of the stuff that is said over the fence, or what some of the fans say online… our point is that we need to try and step back from it and try to understand it from another perspective.
“We agree with the AFL, but it’s an important issue and there should be greater transparency. That’s where the complexities come; what’s acceptable, what’s not and how are we going to move forward to make our game better.”
Listen to the full interview below.
