Fans lashed for ‘disgusting’ abuse as Blues legend speaks out following ‘darkest night in Carlton’s history
Carlton fans have been slammed for turning on their own team after just a single round of AFL action, after supporters abused players following their shock loss to Richmond.
The new-look, youthful Tigers ended speculation about whether they might win a game this AFL season, stunning Carlton by 13 points in their traditional round-one clash.
Richmond’s No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor impressed with two goals and fellow debutants Harry Armstrong and Luke Trainor also had a night they will not forget.
The Blues had their chances late, spraying 1.6 in the last quarter, and the huge upset adds to question marks about their 2025 bona fides.
And some fans let them know about it, hurling expletives at the players as they headed up the tunnel following the loss.
The Carlton players were jeered, given Bronx claps and told to ‘get the f*** off’ the field amongst other obscenities.
Carlton got their season off to the worst possible start in a shock loss to the rebuilding Tigers
Carlton fans hurl abuse a the players as they head down the tunnel at the MCG after the match
It has led to a host of AFL fans calling for the unruly supporters to pull their heads in.
‘On one side of the line, there’s friendly banter and on the other side, there’s this disgusting behaviour on the other side. That’s a line should *NEVER* be crossed,’ one posted.
‘That’s disgusting, supporters should be ashamed of themselves,’ posted another.
‘Gotta love 50 year old nerds who have never played a game hauling abuse at players who have more talent in their little finger than they’ll ever have,’ added yet another.
‘I’m a Tiger and it was a bad loss for the Blues but they know that. There’s being passionate and there’s being stupid.’
It comes as Blues legend Brendan Fevola took to social media to lament the shock loss, questioning how the club could bounce back and become a contender this season.
‘One of the darkest nights in Carlton’s history tonight. What’s next for the Blues?’ he asked.
’41 points up against an under-18 side round 1, packed MCG and they crumbled under teenager’s pressure.’
Fan abuse toward Carlton players has been a recurring issue, with several incidents highlighting the darker side of passionate support.
In June 2023, forward Harry McKay condemned a “minority” of fans who hurled abuse at players as they walked off the MCG after a 34-point loss to Essendon.
Videos circulated on social media showing enraged supporters shouting obscenities, marking the team’s sixth consecutive defeat of the season.
At the time McKay said that players “definitely” hear and absorb the abuse.
Racist abuse has also plagued the club. In 2022, Adam Saad was subjected to offensive comments from a spectator during a match against Adelaide, prompting an AFL investigation and widespread condemnation.
Club legend Eddie Betts has frequently spoken out about the racism he endured during his time at Carlton, including social media hate and offensive comments from spectators.
In 2020, he publicly called out racist abuse directed at him online, reigniting discussions on discrimination in the AFL and reinforcing the league’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Beyond racial abuse, players have also faced harsh criticism from their own supporters.
Carlton great Eddie Betts regularly spoke out about racial abuse during his time at the club
Captain Patrick Cripps has previously expressed frustration over personal and team-directed abuse.
In 2019, former player Dale Thomas was on the receiving end of fan vitriol after an on-field incident, with some directing their anger both in person and online.
In 2018, Carlton’s struggles at the bottom of the ladder led to vocal criticism from supporters, with players facing boos and jeers at games.
