'We support the club': Sydney Swans' fans stay loyal amid scandal engulfing men’s side
The Sydney Swans AFLW team has set a new attendance record, with fans warmly welcoming them to the field despite a major sexual assault scandal engulfing the men's side.
Attendance reached 16,672 spectators on Sunday afternoon, a new record for the women's club which more than doubles the previous record of 8,264.
The Swans AFLW team played their second-ever game at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday in a history double-header before the men took to the field.
A planned mass walk-out of fans ahead of the men's match failed to materialise as large crowds remained for both games. A small stream of supporters, some waving placards, did exit the SCG prior to the men's game, various media reported.
Five Swans players, including elite players Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, have been suspended for the remainder of the AFL season for breaching the club's standards on drinking and staying out late.
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No one has been arrested or charged, as Sex Crimes Squad detectives continue to investigate.
Several fans told the Australian Associated Press (AAP) news agency that they still supported the club despite feeling disappointed in players involved in the scandal.
"We support the club wholeheartedly," Swans supporter Russell Le-Guier said.
"The club itself is what this is about, not the individual players, they'll come and go over the years, but it's the club itself that we support."
Sydney Swans Chairman Andrew Pridham said: "The five players made a terrible mistake."
"However, they are part of our club, and as such we will do everything in our power to care for them," he said during a pre-game event.
"We do not excuse their behaviour. We do not ignore the impact it has had on so many people — and in particular women."
Speaking with AAP, several fans said they were supportive of the men on the field.
5News aggregated this summary from the outlet’s public feed. The full article, with all the context, is on www.sbs.com.au — the content belongs to SBS News - Latest.
