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AFL greats criticise Australian media for 'criminal' treatment of McKenna

In the aftermath of a difficult number of days for Ireland's Conor McKenna in Australia, a number...



AFL greats criticise Australia...
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AFL greats criticise Australian media for 'criminal' treatment of McKenna

In the aftermath of a difficult number of days for Ireland's Conor McKenna in Australia, a number of AFL legends are publicly criticising the manner in which the Tyrone-born Essendon Bomber has been treated in the media. 

Amidst the unusual uncertainty with which Conor McKenna's status as a carrier of COVID-19 was debated and the ramifications it could have for the Australian Football League, there was a sense that the furore had outstripped what was a potentially worrying time for a 24-year-old man.

Before the initial low-level positive test he recorded was followed up by a series of negative tests, the Essendon player was roundly turned upon by many in the Australian media.

With a certain pundit calling for Conor McKenna to be indefinitely suspended, as the the red mist has ascended and the player's well-being seems assured, a number of high-profile AFL figures have been calling on those who were so quick to jump on McKenna to now apologise.

"It has been disappointing in many respects how Conor has been treated over the last few days," expressed AFL Players Association President and 2016 Brownlow medal winner Patrick Dangerfield. "He has been treated like a criminal.

"Some in the media need to come out and put their hands up to say they went too hard, too early."

Elsewhere, Tom Browne, an Australian journalist who has been criticised for his initial handling of the story, came under scrutiny when he appeared alongside another AFL great, Brian Taylor.

"Some Essendon fans in particular seem frustrated that the media has reported these inconsistent tests," remarked Browne on Seven's AFL coverage.

"All the tests reported throughout the week have been accurate. There's no accuracy issues there, it's really been a health issue in terms of the inconsistency of the tests.

"In terms of the language of the clubs, they do tell some constructive truth at times, it's up to journalists to find out the truth. That's what we have to do."

Needless to say, Taylor wasn't welcoming of Browne's argument.

"I don't see anything you said there that really matters," he responded. "To me, it's about the accountability of the media, and not just journalists, but footballers like myself that are in the media.

"How someone can come out last week and say that a handful of players tomorrow are going to be out of the Essendon Football Club when did not happen?

"Where is the accountability for that? We've got to be very careful. Players like myself have come out and commented on McKenna as well without really knowing the facts.

"It is best to be right rather than first. I know you have an insatiable thirst to be right, Tom, but you have an even more insatiable thirst to be first."

Although Browne was not alone in how he acted, others in similar positions have been more regretful regarding their actions in how they reported the story.

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Afl Conor McKenna Coronavirus Covid-19 Essendon Bombers Patrick Dangerfield Tom Browne