Fremantle Dockers captain Nat Fyfe has defended his teammates for snubbing a young fan's plea for a high five before the club's game against the Bombers on Sunday, claiming the players didn't see him as they ran up the race.
The Dockers had just finished their pre-game warm up at Etihad Stadium and were heading off the ground when a young boy can be seen in footage captured by 7News leaning over the players' race, desperately trying to get a high five from some of his heroes.
The child, decked out in a Dockers jumper with Nat Fyfe's number on the back, leaves his hand out, pleading for a slap, but gives up when not one Dockers players offers to give him any "skin".
At one stage, a woman can be seen encouraging the boy to try again, but his high five plea goes ignored again by Fremantle players.
... but the entire team jogs past him, ignoring his outstretched hand. Photo: Channel 7 News
The child then sadly retreats back to his seat surrounded by Bombers' fans.
Fyfe told reporters before the players headed off to their "Mad Monday" celebrations, the club would "do the right thing" by the young fan.
"It's not great watching, we love all our fans, particular fans that wear number seven on their backs," Fyfe said.
"We didn't see the young fellow and missed the opportunity to give him a high five...usually we would.
"I'm sure if he or his mum contacts the club, we'll do the right thing."
Footy fans reacted with anger after the high-five snub was posted in a popular Perth Facebook group, having been viewed close to 120,000 times.
"Poor kid. What was more heartbreaking was his mum was trying to get his attention," one person posted.
"Ashamed Freo fan."
Another person had a dig at the footy culture at Fremantle.
Disappointed, the young fan with the Fyfe #7 guernsey returns to his seat. Photo: Channel 7 News
"Very poor culture from a less than average AFL," the post read. "The fans are what make the game, not the so called superstars...good luck Freo propping up the bottom of the ladder."
"How disgusting...do these forget their fans are the ones who make them famous," another person posted. How hard would it have been to make a little fans day?"
The Fremantle Football Club has been contacted for comment.
2 comments
New User? Sign up