Geelong captain Joel Selwood has led the tributes to Sydney AFL star Adam Goodes who was visibly distressed after being the victim of an apparent racial taunt during Friday night’s MCG match.

Dual Brownlow Medallist Goodes was arguably best-afield in Sydney’s 47-point win over Collingwood in the round-nine fixture with 30 disposals and three goals.

However the 33-year-old left the field shaking his head late in the game and went straight into the change rooms to compose himself after clashing with a female fan in the closing stages of the contest.

The fan was evicted from the stadium after Goodes stood only metres away and pointed directly at her in a bid to identify the Collingwood supporter to security staff.

“Much respect for Adam Goodes on all fronts tonight,” Selwood said on Twitter.

Sydney midfielder Dan Hannebery said the incident was sad, while Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt was speechless.

“The person who did that has to have a hard look at themselves,” Hannebery told afl.com.au website.

“It is a disgrace considering the era that we’re in. It’s just completely unacceptable.

“I’m really shocked.”

Riewoldt said on Twitter: “Something clearly said to Adam Goodes, sitting on the couch speechless and really flat! #bloodydisappointing.”

West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui, whose parents are from Fiji, said: “Not to assume the worst, but to disrespect a legend on Indigenous Round is appalling.

“Racial Vilification has no place in sport and goodesy dealt with it like a champ. Lets NOT let it shadow how well he performed tonight tho,” Naitanui added.

Melbourne onballer Nathan Jones said: “Racial vilification has no place in footy or society. Ignorance is no excuse, What a legend & icon @adamroy37 is for our game. #inspiring.”