Mother of vilified teenage soccer player says sport must do more to stamp out racism

The mum of a teen vilified at a junior soccer match is demanding an overhaul of how the sport tackles racism.

A mother of a soccer player banned for retaliating to racism is calling for an overhaul of the sport’s governing body’s disciplinary committee, as the outcome of its latest racial vilification investigation sparks outrage.

Racist taunts led Nalika Subasinghe’s 17-year-old son to quit the game but Football SA ruling Modbury Jets head coach Maurice Natale’s caught-on-camera slur did not intend its racial connotations has reignited her demand for change.

Natale copped a two-match ban after shouting “sit down you f***ing monkey” during a State League elimination against Playford City with FSA’s disciplinary committee deciding it was directed at opposition team officials.

Nalika Subasinghe’s son has given up soccer after he was racially abused in a match last season. Picture: Matt Turner

Mrs Subasinghe’s son was vilified last August when he was called a “f***ing curry” by an opposition player who FSA suspended for 12 matches.

The victim was also dealt a two-match ban for responding “you’re f***ing racist”.

The abuse didn’t cease and Mrs Subasinghe said her son continued to be the target of ‘monkey noises’ and the ‘n word’.

She was not shocked by the committee’s ruling in the Modbury and Playford incident.

“The term ‘monkey’ used by the coach, it’s becoming a bit of a trend each season,” she said.

“These kinds of incidents won’t stop unless FSA looks at how it is punishing perpetrators – there needs to be education involved not just match bans.

“The committee needs diversity as well, in culture and also experience.

Nalika Subasinghe is calling for an overhaul of the Football SA disciplinary committee. Picture: Matt Turner

“You know that term has racist connotations so is there not someone on the committee who is able to make them aware of that? That’s what I wonder.”

When her son’s incident was investigated Mrs Subasinghe said the committee told him to “do nothing” and not respond to racism, leaving them both shocked.

“He’s completely done with the game now,” she said.

“He doesn’t feel properly protected. He’s devastated and it has had a huge impact on our family’s mental health.

“To be told to respond with silence is unbelievable to me.

“He lost faith in the system and I know a lot of other people who have experienced racism but won’t report it because they have also lost faith and are worried about backlash.”

FSA general manager of football operations Wendy Carter said the punishments for both players in Mrs Subasinghe’s son’s case were fair and the committee did not need an overhaul but was looking into education options.

“We have a number of people who represent the committee, qualified males and females of different backgrounds and professions like lawyers, police officers and match officials and we’re always open to having more people apply to join as well,” Mrs Carter said.

“The perpetrator got a 12-match suspension and the victim responded in an abusive manner so got two games.

“The victim asked how he should respond if he is racially vilified and the committee recommended that a player should not react directly to that person but report it immediately to officials.”

Unsatisfied with FSA’s responses, Mrs Subasinghe also met with state Sport Minister Corey Wingard who told The Messenger he had raised the topic of an overhaul.

“I’ve raised the matter with the governing body and I’m advised they’re working to appoint suitably skilled volunteers from diverse backgrounds to join the pool from which the disciplinary committee is formed,” Mr Wingard said.

FSA, Playford City and Modbury Jets have not made further comment on Tuesday’s findings.