AFL's fans must lead game out of Adam Goodes booing controversy, says Gillon McLachlan

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has called on the code's supporters to lead the game out of the divisive Adam Goodes booing controversy.

McLachlan admitted on Friday that he could not tell fans how to behave but said they ultimately owned the game and it needed them to show leadership on the issue.

Relentless vilification of Goodes from fans of rival clubs in recent months has prompted Sydney to give their dual Brownlow Medal winner indefinite leave as he was shaken by what the club called a disgraceful reaction to his outspokenness on race matters.

The controversy prompted all 18 AFL club captains to release a joint-statement urging fans to stop booing Goodes.

Goodes will not play against Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday, but could be back for the following round's away game against Geelong.

"I can't tell the supporters how to behave. Our game has always been an outlet for people to express themselves," McLachlan said.

"Ultimately I do have incredible faith in our supporters, but also ... they've defined the respect in our game. And it's changed and iterated over generations."

McLachlan cited examples of outstanding crowd behaviour in recent times.

"No-one can make 90,000 people stand in silence on Anzac Day, complete silence in reflection," McLachlan said.

"No-one can make 300,000 people over a round of footy a few weeks ago behave the way they did [in remembrance of deceased Crows coach Phil Walsh] that just had extraordinary healing qualities for a family, a footy club, a state.

"No-one can make supporters do that, but I just have great confidence in their ability to work through this issue, have their views and then ultimately respect the wishes of the players, the clubs, the industry, that Adam be given and environment to come back and play.

"Because I don't think anyone, if they are feeling hurt and feeling they are the victim of racist behaviour, whatever your views no one should feel like that.

"And there is a point where you go 'regardless of how we got here, I respect that's how you're feeling ... and I'll let you play'."

"I want to look forward and look to our supporters to lead us out of here. Maybe test the test next week or whenever that comes.

"This is a game ultimately owned by our supporters and ultimately we need their leadership on this issue."

Lyon throws support behind Goodes

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has also joined the chorus of support for Goodes, saying anyone who boos the two-time premiership player from this point was a "racist" and a "bigot".

Lyon said spectators needed to address their behaviour towards Goodes, as he believed it could no longer be disguised as anything but racist.

"There's no ambiguity anymore," Lyon said on Friday.

"So from here, if you continue to boo Adam Goodes, well, you're a racist and you're a bigot. And that would take this country back to the white Australia policy in 1967.

"It's offensive what's occurring, and it's wrong. Ignorance is no excuse."