Man arrested following 'direct and significant' threats to Crows player Izak Rankine
The ABC understands Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine was allegedly sent threatening social media messages. (ABC News: Dean Faulkner)
In short:
The Adelaide Football Club says "direct and significant" social media threats were made against two players earlier this year.
A 31-year-old man has since been arrested and charged with using a carriage service in an offensive manner after allegedly messaging a Crows player, who the ABC understands is Izak Rankine.
What's next?
While the club has not said which players were threatened, police say the suspect will face court in January.
The Adelaide Crows have revealed two players were allegedly subjected to "direct and significant" social media threats that were reported to police three months ago.
The club has not revealed the identities of the players, but police today confirmed an arrest had been made over five threatening messages that allegedly "were sent to a 25-year-old man via social media" on September 8, who the ABC understands is Crows star Izak Rankine.
Police said a 31-year-old Kensington Gardens man would face the Adelaide Magistrates Court on January 30, charged with using a carriage service in an offensive manner.
His arrest on Monday followed what police described as a "lengthy investigation" by its cybercrime section.
"The victim reported the matter to police," police said in a statement.
The Crows say they reported the matter to police, who have since arrested a 31-year-old man. (Supplied)
The club said it had notified the AFL integrity unit of the matter.
"Adelaide can confirm two of its players were subject to direct and significant threats on a social media platform," the club said in a statement.
"Subsequently, reports were made to South Australia Police in September which prompted investigations.
"Both players have been provided with the necessary and ongoing support."
The club said "any form of online abuse, discrimination or threatening behaviour" was completely unacceptable.