Melbourne student expelled for sending racially abusive message to Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli

A Melbourne schoolboy has been expelled for sending a racist message to Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli.

The student was booted from the prestigious Trinity Grammar in Melbourne’s east for sending the former West Coast player a direct message on Instagram that included racist slurs.

The boy’s parents are now fighting against his expulsion, claiming he is remorseful and tried to recall the messages within seconds of sending them.

They also say the decision to kick him out could cause “insurmountable levels of psychological harm”, claims that will now be reviewed by the school’s council.

Camera IconA schoolboy has been expelled over racist messages he sent to Willie Rioli. Credit: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via AFL Photos

Rioli is among a host of AFL players who have used their own social media channels to highlight the vile abuse they are too often subjected to.

In July, Collingwood were forced to publicly condemn abusive messages sent to Rioli after the two sides met.

In a letter to the school, released by the Herald Sun, the boy’s mother contests the decision to expel the student because the incident did not directly involve the college.

“The message was not directed to the school or a student at the school, did not mention the school, and there has been no connection made between the post and the school,” the letter reportedly reads.

“We accept the comments were racial slurs and unacceptable, but disagree and do not accept that this means his departure from the school was necessary.”

Camera IconRioli played for West Coast before moving to Port at the end of last season. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

The family also claims the boy was still dealing with the loss of a close friend during the pandemic.

The 2018 West Coast premiership player left the Eagles in a shock move to the Power at the end of last season.

Rioli had changed his name to Junior to respect the passing of his father for 12 months, but is now known by Willie again.