Lance Franklin was booed by Collingwood fans during the Sydney Swans' 29-point loss on Sunday.
The Sydney Swans have labelled the booing of champion AFL player Lance Franklin as “offensive”.
## What happened?
The booing occurred during the match at the MCG, with Franklin having a goalless game.
Collingwood fans targeted Franklin, who is a likely Australian football Hall Of Fame legend.
The treatment of Franklin by some sections of the Collingwood support ensured headlines on Monday morning were not about the result.
## Why it matters for Lance Franklin
The Sydney Swans expressed concern that history may be repeating itself, referencing the treatment of another of its greatest players, Adam Goodes, who was mercilessly booed out of the game in 2015.
The Swans statement read: “Lance is a champion and his contribution to the AFL should be celebrated and respected.”
## What comes next?
Collingwood issued an apology on Monday afternoon and called on the club’s fans to show more respect to Franklin.
The club statement said that Franklin, a “great of Australian football”, deserved a high level of respect.
Coaches of both clubs were initially baffled as to why Franklin would be targeted with boos, with Swans coach John Longmire saying: “You’d probably celebrate a 36-year-old, wouldn’t you, who’s been a champion of the game?”
Pies coach Craig McRae put it succinctly: “We just don’t boo.”
The win keeps the Magpies at the top of the ladder, with a 3-5 record for the Swans.
As of Sunday, the Swans have lost three in a row.
The Sydney Swans called on fans who witness any poor behaviour at matches, including repeated booing, to call it out immediately.
Collingwood fans were the first to boo Port Adelaide young gun Jason Horne-Francis earlier this season.
A career-best five goals from Brody Mihocek highlighted the Magpies’ win.
The Magpies’ captain Darcy Moore had an outstanding game, and Jack Ginnivan’s second-half cameo was notable.