Right response to on-field racism
The All Whites allege Michael Boxall was racially abused in the first half of their latest game, with captain Joe Bell raising the matter with the referee who didn’t act.
This led to the All Whites refusing to take the field in the second half.
AUT sports lecturer Dr Dion Enari who researched racism in sport said the All White’s display of solidarity against racism experienced by their team mate was "heart warming" and was a "warning" to the sporting world.
"It was reminder that we all have a part to play and we all have the power to stamp out racism. The fact that [Boxall's] team got behind him and stood in solidarity by saying we're not going to play because of the really terrible racist comments that were said, I think, is an indication of the human spirit."
Dion hopes that this will lead to a knock on effect for New Zealand sports "A lot of New Zealand athletes will now not stand for it as well, even those who are not victim will stand next to and in solidarity with those who are victim of racial slurs and it sends a big message to the rest of the world that our athletes won't be passive bystanders in instances like this."