Rugby league legend Wendell Sailor has come out in support of AFL star Adam Goodes saying he himself was racially vilified many times throughout his career.

“In 1994, my second season with the Broncos, I got tackled by a guy, who I don’t want to name, who got me to the ground and didn’t get up straight away” Sailor wrote for news.com.au.

“While I was still on the ground, he elbowed me then looked me in the eye and said, “C’mon you f***ing n****r.”

“The same thing happened on the Kangaroos tour that year. In the first Test at Wembley, one of England’s star players tackled me and said, “C’mon, you black c***.”

“They are just a couple of examples.

“None of those words really affected me too much. I was able to use it as motivation. It doesn’t mean I’d ever want someone to go through it, though.

“I never want my children, my three teenagers, to be treated like that.

“And that’s what this whole so-called debate about Adam’s actions has to be about.

“This has to be about bridging the gap.”

Sailor went on.

“After years of racial abuse and a chorus of jeering crowds this season, Adam may have reached that point.

“What I’ve seen from AFL supporters these last few weeks has been disgraceful.

“It is casual racism at its worst and more fans belong in this group than we would like to admit.

“Underneath all the booing is racism.”