Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott says Adam Goodes shouldn't have to put up with racial taunts, calling for an end to the relentless booing of the AFL star.

Mr Abbott says he understands why the Sydney Swans star is upset because no-one should be subjected to such treatment.

He says while not everyone may agree with his views, the former Australian of the Year deserves a basic level of respect.

Mr Abbott's comments are the first since the saga escalated following Sunday's game against the West Coast Eagles in Perth, and comes amid joint plea by the captains of all 18 AFL clubs urging fans to stop the taunts.

His indigenous affairs minister Nigel Scullion has also blamed bigotry for the crowd behaviour, saying it's un-Australian.