The father of a woman accused of throwing a banana at Adelaide star Eddie Betts has taken to radio to complain about the treatment of his daughter.

‘Don’ contacted Adelaide radio station 5AA this morning where he let his feelings be known.

Don seemed more concerned about the big bad media than the behaviour of his daughter.

“You people in the media … you can sensationalise anything.”

Don said he “is not condoning what she’s done” but maintained his daughter shouldn’t be banned.

“Don’t demonise this human being, because I know what she’s like,” he said.

“You don’t know what kind of person (she is). She threw a banana in what, to me, was more in frustration. There’s a guy at St Kilda that used to irritate me — his name was Stephen Milne. If that banana’s thrown at Stephen Milne, no fuss would be made about it.”

“You’re playing the racist game. I’m not condoning what she’s done. This is called media rubbish. Why do you people sensationalize things?”

“(Should she be banned) totally? No. In this country, the law says you are innocent until you’re proven guilty. Sure, she’s committed an act. Why not give her the chance to explain?”

“I haven’t spoken to her, because I can’t get hold of her. She has been ripped apart by this. Believe me, if you knew the young lady, you would say ‘what a shame’. If my daughter was a ratbag … I wouldn’t do what I’m doing. I know what this kid’s like.”

“I’ve got a beautiful daughter and I’m proud of her and you guys are trying to demonise this kid.”

To Port Adelaide’s credit they have been extremely proactive with this issue.

Port Adelaide’s investigation has led them to believe that the woman’s actions were racially motivated.

In a statement the club has said-

“After talking to witnesses it is clear that the offender’s behaviour was racially motivated and is therefore a significant breach of the club’s values and spectator code of conduct,” the club said in a press release.

“Port Adelaide will meet with the offender in the coming days to offer her an opportunity to take part in the club’s industry leading Aboriginal cultural awareness programs.”

“As part of this program Port Adelaide’s Aboriginal programs manager Paul Vandenbergh and the club’s seven Aboriginal players would educate her on cultural issues that continue to have an impact on the Aboriginal community today and the hurt which actions such as hers cause others.”

So what do you think should this Port fan be banned for life?

One thing that seems to have been overlooked in this whole story is the issue of player security.

In numerous countries around the world fans have to watch their stars play behind large barriers and fencing.

A lot of us forget that in Australia we are bloody lucky to be able to get so close to some of our sports stars.

With this kind of idiotic act- throwing projectiles at athletes that could all be thrown into jeopardy.

If the AFL doesn’t come down hard on this type of fan behaviour it could ruin the experience for the rest of us.

by Michael T. Lynch – contributor