The Northern Football Netball League is investigating allegations of racism at a Kinglake football match on Saturday.
Racist remarks can be heard on footage of the match between Kinglake and Fitzroy Stars, with one spectator heard shouting “black c–nts”.
It has been reported that one young player was targeted with vile taunts about his mother, who had recently passed away.
Fitzroy Stars, an all Indigenous club, won the match by 48 points at the Kinglake Memorial Oval.
The Fitzroy Stars is coached by ex-AFL star Neville Jetta, while Eddie Betts has played three matches this season. Both have been vocal anti-racism advocates.
The NFNL said if offenders were identified, they would be dealt with accordingly.
“The league has been made aware of an incident in the Kinglake, Fitzroy Stars game and the Northern Football Netball League is currently investigating,” league CEO Martin Stillman said.
Kinglake categorically rejected any accusation of racism from its supporters.
Kinglake Lakers president Cameron Caine said the club had spoken before and after the match about spectator behaviour.
Caine said home supporters did not watch the match from the position on the east side of the ground where the match vision camera is set up.
Caine said there was football banter but nothing racist from the Kinglake home crowd.
A car show was held nearby, and it was suggested that the offenders were not regular football supporters.
In a statement uploaded to social media on Thursday via the club’s social media channels, Caine said the club had a zero tolerance for racial vilification.
“Kinglake Football Netball Club (KFNC) would like to make it unequivocally clear that we do not condone or tolerate any form of racial vilification or discrimination within our club or broader football and netball community,” he said.
“Any behaviour that undermines the safety, dignity, or cultural identity of others has no place at KFNC and will be addressed with seriousness and urgency.
“We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.
“We stand in solidarity with those affected by racial abuse and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure our club remains a space that values diversity and respect.”
Match vision picks up racism taunts on audio in the third quarter after Stars forward Kyle Wheatley kicks a goal.
Fitzroy Stars general manager Luke McKeown said he was disappointed young players were subject to such behaviour.
“We are pleased the league is investigating the matter,” he said.
“Fitzroy Stars is concerned with the development of our young players, and the effects of constant racial abuse cannot be overstated.”
The Northern Football Netball League also released a statement last night.
“The NFNL is committed to fostering an environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for everyone – whether they are players, coaches, officials, volunteers, umpires or spectators. Any breach of league policies relating to discrimination or vilification is treated with the utmost seriousness,” the NFNL said.
This Saturday, the Fitzroy Stars face Kilmore at Sir Doug Nicholls Oval, whilst Kinglake will play Mernda at Waterview Reserve, Mernda in the NFNL third division.
