The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

[Bornadog]

Read the full story here

If this story doesn't get you teary eyed, nothing will.

I remember watching Robert in the 80's and he was a scary man, always angry, but I never thought for one moment its was because he was being racially abused.

Reading this excellent article on Robert, I feel so ashamed of people treating someone like the way he was treated, and no doubt many indigenous people.

St Kilda really should be reading this article and bringing Robert back into the fold. It seems they never treated him well either.

[Happy Days]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

Shattering read. Actually had to stop and compose myself after that bit about his appearance on the Footy Show.

We obviously don't have fans showering players with spit and bottles anymore, but when there are commentators talking about predominantly indigenous crowds as if they're cavepeople and others refusing to even to attempt to pronounce Changkuoth Jiath's name, then there is obviously still a lot of work to be done.

[Bornadog]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

The Saints have now come out with this:

On a weekend where we celebrate aboriginal culture and the contribution indigenous players have made to the game, we must face the reality that the St Kilda Football Club, and the football community in general, have made grave errors in the past...
and may still be failing to grasp the full impact of the hurt and harm felt by individuals, their families and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

[GVGjr]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

Appalling to read so graphically that he was racially vilified and the troubles he has encountered over the journey but it doesn't surprise me.
He was an exceptionally talented player but some of his acts on the field were very poor as well

I wish him all the best

[Bornadog]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

Go Fund me page for anyone interested:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/saints-fans-for-robert-muir

[Dancin' Douggy]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

Yeah that footy show 'stunt'. Reading that was infuriating. What empty heartless selfish people to do such a thing.

[Dancin' Douggy]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

I found the story so sad. So much damage, so much to push against and fight against your whole life. I always wondered what he had to endure as a player and as a human. We all missed out on the best of Robert Muir. Himself included. His childhood story sounds so brutal and tragic.

[GVGjr]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

Yeah that footy show 'stunt'. Reading that was infuriating. What empty heartless selfish people to do such a thing.

Typical of a show that wanted to create a headline at whatever cost.

[comrade]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

Great article and the right time for it to be written. I hope Robert’s life is changed for the better now that light has been shed on the trauma he has suffered.

Being from Ballarat, I really hope the clubs he was involved with reach out and make things right with him. It sounds like it’d mean a lot.

[jeemak]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

Such an eye opening story, shining a light on a history the AFL would prefer to remain unmentioned.

It's unimaginable to me the torment he's felt over the years, always feeling as if he's being kicked in the guts.

[Dry Rot]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

What was Muir like as a player?

[Rocket Science]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

By way of silver linings ... St. Kilda Club statement: Robert Muir

[Bornadog]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

By way of silver linings ... St. Kilda Club statement: Robert Muir

Well done to the Saints, but you have to ask why has it taken so long.

[GVGjr]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

What was Muir like as a player?

Damaging player, quick with plenty of endurance. Tough as well

[Grantysghost]

Re: The persecution of Robert Muir is the story football doesn't want to hear

As a kid growing up watching the replays all I saw was cherry picked footage of him being overtly aggressive. The famous incident seen right throughout my younger days, where he turned and punched Dennis Collins, then had a crack at the crowd. Little did I know at that age the level of abuse he had endured to reach those breaking points. Certainly not acceptable his actions but balanced against the unrelenting abuse you can certainly understand them. Brilliant article one of the most enlightening I've read.