A spectator has been charged after alleged antisemitic remarks during a junior netball match in Sydney’s east, sparking strong responses from clubs, officials and state leaders.
Police were called to Heffron Park at Maroubra about 10am on Saturday following reports offensive comments were made during an under-12 girls game between Maccabi Netball Club and Saints Netball Club.
A 42-year-old woman was spoken to at the scene and issued a move-on order. She was not arrested at the time.
In footage shared online, Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry is seen confronting a woman and asking, “Did you actually say what’s being alleged,” with the woman responding “No” several times before adding, “Oh my god, so 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 Court Attendance Notice. She is scheduled to appear at Waverley Local Court on June 17.
In a statement posted online, Saints Netball Club said it “unequivocally condemns and disavows antisemitism in all forms”.
“Such remarks do not reflect the values, principles, or standards of our club, our members, our players, or our wide community,” the statement said.
“The Saints Netball Club offers our sincerest and most unreserved apologies to the Jewish community and to those affected.”
Randwick Netball Association also responded, stating antisemitic or discriminatory conduct would not be tolerated.
“We are working with Netball NSW to apply the applicable integrity framework as we investigate and respond to the matter,” the statement said.
Netball Australia interim chief executive Mark Falvo confirmed the woman faced immediate sporting consequences.
“The individual alleged to have made the comments has been provisionally suspended from attending or participating in any netball activities or attending netball locations while the matter is investigated,” he said in a statement.
“We will continue to engage with the local netball and Jewish communities and work together to send a message that netball is safe and inclusive for all.”
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said she was “horrified” by the “absolutely unacceptable” alleged incident.
“Kids playing sport on a Saturday morning, particularly Jewish kids, should not 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.
