Aussie Rules removes Indigenous figure from Hall of Fame

Australian Rules football chiefs removed Indigenous ex-player Nicky Winmar from the game's hall of fame on Wednesday following his conviction for assault against a woman.

Winmar became an emblem of the fight against racism in Australian Rules football when he responded to abuse during a game in 1993 by lifting his shirt and pointing to his skin.

The 60-year-old former St Kilda player was found guilty in a Melbourne court this month of three counts of assault against a woman in Victoria last year, local media said.

"Violence against women has no place. Not in our community, not in our game, and not in the values the Australian Football Hall of Fame seeks to uphold," AFL Commission chair Craig Drummond said in a statement.

"The Commission acknowledges Nicky Winmar's significant contribution to Australian Football and his place in our history. However, the recent findings against him render inappropriate his place in the Australian Football Hall of Fame."

A bronze statue capturing the moment Winmar pointed to his skin in 1993 was ordered to be removed from outside Perth Stadium shortly after his July 3 conviction.

"Violence against women is never acceptable, and it is important we send a strong message to the community, Western Australia's state premier, Roger Cook, said at the time.

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© Agence France-Presse