Investigation into comment at Playford Patriots and Modbury Jets match sparks calls for change at grassroot level

An Adelaide football historian has warned of damage to the sport if it doesn’t take a tough look at itself.

An Adelaide football historian has called for accountability and a deeper understanding of racial issues plaguing local soccer amid investigations into an on-field incident last weekend.

Adelaide City Football Club historian Vanessa Lucchesi says the sport could be negatively affected across South Australia if racism is not confronted.

Last Saturday, a comment initially believed to be a racial slur was caught on camera at a State League 1 finals match between the Modbury Jets Soccer Club and Playford Patriots Soccer Club, following an on-field confrontation. The incident prompted an investigation by Football SA, which concluded the comment was not intentionally racist.

The incident between Modbury and Playford last weekend has put a dampener on soccer finals. Picture: Supplied

Ms Lucchesi, who has written a thesis on ethnic soccer clubs in Adelaide, would not comment as the investigation unfolded but aired her concerns about the ongoing issue of racism in the game.

“Soccer is ‘the world game’, there are so many players and people involved of different ethnicities, and consequently racism has absolutely no place here,” Ms Lucchesi said.

“There really is a chance that incidences of racism could hold the game back. If players, especially the younger ones, experience it they would be more likely to drop out.”

In 2020 a teenager was banned for 12 games by FSA for racially abusing an opponent, and just this year Adelaide United star Kusini Yengi was racially vilified by fans on social media.

Adelaide United player Kusini Yengi has been racially abused on social media. Picture: Dean Martin

Ms Lucchesi is part of one of the state’s most culturally diverse clubs in Adelaide City, and said that while her club and others around SA quickly welcomed diversity, incidences of racism now seem more frequent.

“Our club was started by Italian migrants but did not stay ethnically homogeneous for long and quickly welcomed people from different backgrounds,” she said.

“The acceptance of culturally diverse people was a trend that occurred with many, if not all clubs which sprung up in the 1950s as a result of continental European migration.

“Racism still continues to manifest itself in local sport in many ways though, such as name calling we sometimes hear or see in person and online.

“It’s an issue of increasing importance we really need to tackle.”

While she admits it is a complex issue, Ms Lucchesi believes education, accountability and a deeper understanding is needed from everyone involved.

Pooraka Football Club players take a knee during the national anthem before their division five grand final. Picture: Supplied

“I think global initiatives like taking a knee are a great way to raise awareness but as individuals there needs to be constant learning and unlearning of our role in perpetuating racism, especially in sport,” she said.

“Even in the language we use when describing players in soccer – black players will be fast or strong, and white players will be ‘technical’.

“I also think clubs and governing bodies need to hold people accountable so that victims of racism feel safe, secure and supported in our sport going forward.”

TIMELINE OF RACIST INCIDENTS TO HIT LOCAL SA SPORT

2020: Teenager directs racist slur at opposition player in local under-16s soccer match, receives 12-match suspension.

2020: Ian Milera and Elijah Satala racially abused by spectators during Port Noarlunga, Flagstaff Hill SFL match, perpetrators unidentified.

2020: Anonymous Payneham Norwood Union player racially vilified by spectator during game against St Peter’s Old Collegians.

2021: Adelaide United youngster Kusini Yengi racially vilified on social media.

2021: North Adelaide SANFL player Robbie Young is victim of racist slur from Adelaide Crow Taylor Walker, Walker dropped by Crows and receives 6-match ban and $20k fine from AFL.