Port Adelaide Football Club president David Koch has claimed that Willie Rioli was subjected to “cultural disrespect” during the Bulldogs game, which led to him striking Bailey Dale off the ball and then sending a threatening message about Dale to one of his Bulldogs teammates.
The latest explosive claims come as the AFL works to prevent the issue of racism from completely overshadowing its Sir Doug Nicholls Round, which celebrates Indigenous footballers and culture.
Rioli, who also threatened players on-field during games against Essendon this year and Geelong last year, was suspended from the Showdown clash against Adelaide on Saturday.
The AFL made the announcement just hours after Rioli had already stated he would not be playing in the game last week.
The Power take on Geelong this weekend, with Tyson Stengle saying his teammates would not sledge Rioli.
While Rioli has not claimed he was subjected to blatant racism …