Lachie Neale Condemns ‘Cowardly’ Social Media Abuse After Brisbane’s Shocking AFL Loss to Collingwood

Brisbane Lions Star Lachie Neale Slams Online Trolls After Shocking AFL Loss
By Josh Alston

[Image: Lachie Neale during a match, looking determined]

Brisbane Lions co-captain Lachie Neale has fiercely condemned online abuse directed at players following the team’s unexpected 52-point loss to Collingwood at the Gabba on Thursday. The Lions, previously undefeated and favored to win, were outplayed in a result that stunned fans.

Neale’s Blunt Message
In a fiery Instagram post, Neale labeled social media trolls as “cowards” and “the biggest stain on society.” He revealed the abuse included “horrific messages” and urged critics to “put your face and name to your words.”

[Image: Screenshot of Neale’s Instagram story calling out trolls]

“It’s a game of football, grow the f*** up,” wrote the dual Brownlow Medallist. While he didn’t specify if he or a teammate was targeted, the club confirmed a player received “appalling messages,” which have been reported to authorities.

Gambling Frustrations Fuel Abuse?
Experts suggest the trolling may stem from disgruntled bettors angered by lost wagers. Sports journalist Mark Gottlieb supported Neale, stating, “A lot of it is gambling… The way people treat athletes like they’re not human is shameful.”

[Image: Collingwood players celebrating their dominant win at the Gabba]

AFL’s Ongoing Battle
The incident highlights the AFL’s struggle to combat online harassment. Earlier in the week, Port Adelaide’s Willie Rioli took leave after racist abuse over a social media post. While Neale’s case wasn’t race-related, it underscores the toxic environment athletes face.

Club Stands Firm
The Lions released a statement backing their players: “We stand by them in calling it out.” Despite efforts to curb abuse, anonymous accounts and gambling’s rise complicate the issue, with players often blamed for betting losses.

[Image: Brisbane Lions fans looking dejected during the match]

Neale’s stand has sparked broader conversations about respect in sports. As Gottlieb noted, “Athletes are human—this behavior has to stop.”

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Key Points:

• Neale’s viral post condemns anonymous abuse.
• Loss sparks debate on gambling’s role in fan toxicity.
• AFL faces ongoing challenges with online harassment.

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