Western Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong has accepted an apology from a Richmond supporter who racially vilified him during Saturday’s match.

The unnamed Tigers fan came forward on Monday to apologise for comments made during the Dogs’ 19-point win at the MCG.

Jong, 21, is of East Timorese and Taiwanese descent.

• Investigation into racial, homophobic slur at AFL game
• Should fans bare weight of AFL’s racism issue
• Dons complete fairytale in round of AFL surprises

“It takes courage to come out and apologise, and I want to commend the Richmond supporter for doing so,” Jong told the club’s website.

“He could have easily remained anonymous, but he chose to come forward and acknowledge his mistake.

“I want him to know that I accept his apology. Doing this enables us all to move on and maybe learn and teach something to make our community a little bit more embracing and accepting of diversity.”

In a statement released on Sunday, Richmond said that they were advised police had followed up a complaint concerning racial vilification, but couldn’t substantiate the allegation, with no further action taken.

“It is disappointing these incidents still arise,” Jong said.

“I want to say to all football fans, including our own, that any abusive behaviour based on someone’s skin colour, race, sexuality or anything like that is just not acceptable in this day and age.

“Not in the game, and not in society in general.”

During the same match a Tigers player identified a fan who had made homophobic remarks and was subsequently evicted from the ground by police.

-AAP