Why furious footy fans are criticizing the AFL’s plan for every team to take a stand on violence against women, calling it ‘hypocritical grandstanding’

Angry football fans have slammed the AFL’s plan to take a stand on violence against women, insisting asking every team to make the move this weekend is just a “hypocritical demagoguery” and “virtue signaling”.

The AFL has confirmed that ahead of the knockout stages, stars from across the clubs will stand arm in arm to shine a spotlight on gender-based violence.

Players, coaches and referees will gather in the center of the pitch to form a circle and pay silent tribute to the women who lost their lives, before an MC reads a statement to the crowd.

However, many footy fans have criticized the move, insisting the AFL is being hypocritical as it seeks to welcome back a player like Tarryn Thomas who was convicted of domestic violence-related conduct.

“Nothing more than hypocritical grandstanding,” one fan wrote on X.

The AFL has confirmed that ahead of the knockout stages, clubs will shake hands to shine a spotlight on gender-based violence (pictured, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon).

Fans have branded the AFL’s plan hypocritical as Bombers coach Brad Scott said he wanted to see Tarryn Thomas return to the game after being sacked for inappropriate behavior towards women.

“Remember, Tarryn Thomas is not the only one who has committed violence against women. You have media (Wayne Carey), other current and former players (read Night Games, Milne). There are so much in and around AFL and footy culture The AFL needs drastic action, not just lights and hugs,” posted another.

“It’s high class… don’t buy it for a second! Tarryn Thomas will be back, which is disgusting enough!’ wrote another.

“And yet next year Tarryn Thomas will be back on a list, and the AFL media will clearly proclaim it on every platform and it will all be just another act of virtue,” replied a third.

Footy fans have been unimpressed with the league’s plan to make a statement on the problem of violence against women in Australia.

Many have been quick to point out that controversial former North Melbourne star Tarryn Thomas appears to be on the verge of a return following comments from Bombers boss Brad Scott.

This message from football journalist Tom Morris was a lightning rod for fans who view the gesture by all teams as hollow.

Pictured: Another example of a football fan who thinks the possibility of Thomas returning as a freshman casts a shadow over the planned eighth-round declaration.

This fan accused the AFL of simply ticking boxes in an act of ‘virtue signalling’

Other commenters wrote: “Well that should stop him dead in his tracks,” “Get your own house in order.” You are not who the public goes to for advice” and “It’s just lip service when they allow men accused of assaulting women (to) play games.” AFL.”

Another Don’t listen to what they say, watch what they do. This weekend should be called Hypocrisy Round.

Radio host Tom Elliott also called out the AFL for its “double standards” on social issues.

“You can’t have it both ways,” he said on 3AW.

“You can’t make this big statement about domestic violence and then welcome back a player convicted of domestic violence-related conduct.”

Domestic violence campaigner Phil Cleary also criticized the league, accusing it of ignoring an event aimed at raising awareness of the problem of domestic violence.

Cleary’s sister Vicki was killed by her ex-partner in 1987 and an annual VFL match is now played in her honour.

Cleary says the AFL didn’t bother to attend or support the event.

“We have Vicki Cleary Day in 2017 and we’ve had five,” he told Elliott.

AFL great Jimmy Bartel says he is worried about the possibility of disgraced former North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas returning to the AFL soon.

“The AFL has never attended and has never spoken to me about officially endorsing the day.”

AFL great Jimmy Bartel also gave the AFL a strong warning about the message that would be sent if Tarryn Thomas returned to the football field next season.

“I feel very uncomfortable with this. I understand the whole premise of forgiveness and opportunity, he’s had a number of chances with his alleged behavior,” Bartel said on Nine’s Footy Classified.

Bartell, who experienced and witnessed horrific domestic violence as a child, believes sport should have a zero-tolerance attitude.

“I’m open to any discussion but I feel incredibly uncomfortable that we have players arm in arm, another woman dying… I just find it very hard.”