Woman charged after alleged antisemitic remarks at under-12 netball match in Sydney
A spectator has been charged with allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks at a youth netball match in Sydney’s east, sparking a harsh reaction from clubs, officials and state leaders.
Police were called to Heffron Park in Maroubra at around 10am on Saturday morning following reports of offensive comments being made during an under-12 girls’ match between Maccabi Netball Club and Saints Netball Club.
A 42-year-old woman was spoken to at the scene and given the order to take action. He was not arrested at that time.
In footage shared online, Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jews confronts a woman and asks: “Did you really say what you’re alleged to do?” The woman is seen answering “No” several times and then saying, “Oh my god, are we going to call the police?”
On Sunday, police charged the woman with using offensive language in or near a public place or school and issued her with a Notice to Attend Court. He is scheduled to appear at Waverley Local Court on June 17.
Saints Netball Club said in a statement published online that it “unequivocally condemns and rejects antisemitism in all its forms”.
“Such statements do not reflect the values, principles or standards of our club, our members, our players or our wider community,” the statement said.
“Saints Netball Club offers our most sincere and unreserved apologies to the Jewish community and those affected.”
Randwick Netball Association also responded by stating that anti-Semitic or discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated.
“We are working with Netball NSW to apply the applicable integrity framework while investigating and responding to the matter,” the statement said.
Netball Australia interim CEO Mark Falvo confirmed the woman faced immediate sporting consequences.
“The individual who allegedly made the comment has been temporarily suspended from attending or attending any netball events or netball courts while the matter is investigated,” it said in a statement.
“We will continue to engage with the local netball and Jewish communities and work together to send the message that netball is safe and inclusive for everyone.”
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said she was “appalled” by the alleged “totally unacceptable” incident.
“Kids who play sports on a Saturday morning, especially Jewish kids, shouldn’t have to deal with that, nor should their families,” Ms. Sharpe said.
The incident emerged during the opening week of hearings at the Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion.
