The Sydney Aussie Rules star Adam Goodes has been widely praised for the dignity he displayed after being called an ape during last night's AFL game against Collingwood at the MCG.
He was abused by a 13-year-old girl who later called the dual Brownlow medallist to apologise for her behaviour.
Earlier, while admitting he had never been more hurt, Goodes reached out to the girl to contact him so he could explain his feelings.
His actions, including refusing to blame the girl and calling for abuse on social media against her to stop, have drawn widespread admiration from players, clubs and community leaders.
Goodes says he was devastated by the abuse which came during the first match of the AFL's highly publicised Indigenous round.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has offered the girl and her parents support and education from the league.
