'It is sexual abuse': AFL Women's star Tayla Harris breaks her silence after photo of her kicking for goal was taken down from sites due to 'repulsive' comments
- An image of Carlton Blues AFLW star Tayla Harris kicking was posted on twitter
- It received 'inappropriate and offensive' comments and was taken down by 7AFL
- Fans and sporting stars criticised this decision and the image was re-uploaded
- Tayla Harris has now spoken out about the incident calling it 'sexual abuse'
Women's AFL star Tayla Harris has spoken out about the vile comments she recieved after a photo of her kicking a football was posted online.
The photo, taken by Michael Wilson, shows Harris' athletic prowess as she drop punts the ball during a match.
Comments on the photo on the 7AFL site were filled vile sexual tones, forcing the image to be taken down - a decision that caused further backlash.
Harris appeared on breakfast radio on Wednesday morning and said some of the comments were 'sexual abuse'.
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An image (above) of Tayla Harris was uploaded to twitter by 7AFL and attracted offensive comments
'I'm feeling empowered this morning. I think because of the reaction that's come, it's been a bit of a whirlwind,' Harris told RSN Radio's Breakfast Club.
'It is really amazing that the AFL community got around me,' the star said, while admitting the issue is now about what authorities can do to stop social media trolling ever being accepted.
'It's not about me now, it's about a much bigger picture,' she said.
'Some of the comments were sexual abuse, what I would consider sexual abuse on social media. These people need to be called out by the AFL, but something needs to go further. It's something maybe Victoria Police should have to look at.'
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The image was captured in a match against the Western Bulldogs, but 7AFL's Twitter post was quickly hijacked by trolls, leading them to replace it with a message about the post.
'The original purpose in publishing the image was to celebrate the power, athleticism and skills on show in Carlton's thrilling win over the Western Bulldogs,' the message read.
'The image attracted a number of comments, some of which were inappropriate and offensive. As a consequence we have removed the image and the comments.'
Fans immediately questioned why the image needed to be taken down and eventually 7AFL posted it again.
'It's with the misogynistic behaviour by the supporters in the comments. Try blocking these accounts from your social media. Take a stand.' one user said.
Sporting stars rallied behind the AFL Women's star and begun re-tweeting the image of Tayla Harris which was deleted
Anna Meares criticised 7AFL for their decision to delete the image because of the negativity
AFL stars and athletes criticised 7AFL for making the decision to remove the image.
Footballer Darcy Vesico posted: 'Deleting this post is giving into trolls. Also you're eliminating all the positive conversation. Also you're removing more content around women in sport.'
'How this incredible image of Tayla Harris by Michael Willson was seen as negative and drew trolls to comment and that 7AFL took it down as a result...ASTOUNDS ME,' Australian cyclist Anna Meares said.
An apology was made by 7AFL who said that 'removing the photo sent the wrong message'.
'Many of the comments made on the post were reprehensible & we'll work harder to ban trolls from our pages.
'Our intention was to highlight @taylaharriss incredible athleticism & we'll continue to celebrate women's footy.'
Harris didn't comment on the removal of the photo, but slammed the Twitter trolls.
'Here's a pic of me at work... think about this before your derogatory comments, animals,' she tweeted.
The image was re-uploaded and 7AFL issued an apology stating 'removing the photo sent the wrong message'
Fans immediately questioned why the image needed to be taken down and blamed trolls
