Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner has condemned the booing of Sydney champion Adam Goodes, describing the "vilification" of the AFL great as "despicable behaviour" which aimed to silence an anti-racism advocate.

In his strongest statement yet on the issue, Dr Tim Soutphommasane​ said Goodes was being treated like a "pantomime villain" by AFL fans and it was hurting not only the code but damaging the country as it allowed people to believe they can "hound someone who speaks out about racism into silence".

Time out: Swans star Adam Goodes has taken a break from AFL. Credit:Daniel Munoz

He said the negative treatment of Goodes was racially motivated and due entirely to his strong stance against racism and his support of Indigenous causes.

His comments came as the Swans announced Goodes would not be lining up for the club in their clash against Adelaide on Saturday at the SCG. No time frame has been placed on Goodes' return to the field.