The public backlash to TV host Waleed Aly’s meeting with the AFL over possible rule changes provided a cover for racists, says chief footy writer Mark Robinson.

Writing for the Herald Sun, Robbo said:

“This stinks like the booing of Adam Goodes.

“Broadcaster Waleed Aly was invited by the AFL to a meeting with footy boss Steve Hocking to discuss the proposed rules changes and the booing of Aly began.

“Similar to the Goodes situation, where racists hid within the booing, racists hid within the hefty backlash against Aly.

“Would there have been the same vitriol if, say, Rob Sitch was invited to the AFL, or Ross and John from 3AW, or Jon Faine or even Bert Newton?

“That Aly had to defend himself was appalling.

“It was a one-off meeting, just as the Blight, Matthews and Sheahan meeting.

“The response hit all the hot buttons for hate commentary — AFL, rules, Waleed, Muslim, smug, intellectual.

“The hatred was unfair and immense and was led prominently by Shane Warne.

“Warne has a beef with Aly over his former foundation.

“For others, it was less personal. It was hate.

“To them, he is a uppity Muslim with strong opinions and high profile meddling in Australian rules.”