Payneham Norwood Union player racially vilified by St Peter’s Old Collegians spectator
An amateur football club is “wrapping its arms around” a teammate after he was allegedly racially vilified by an opposition spectator during a game on Saturday.
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An investigation has been launched into an alleged racism incident at an Adelaide Footy League match after claims a player was vilified by an opposition spectator on Saturday.
The Payneham Norwood Union player, who did not want to be named, was subjected to racist taunts by a St Peter’s Old Collegians supporter during the third quarter of the division one game at Caterer Oval.
The player’s teammates claimed to hear the racist comments being made and alerted club officials, who then reported the incident to SPOC.
The identity of the spectator remains unknown and SPOC has launched an investigation to find the perpetrator.
PNU player/coach and ex-Norwood SANFL premiership defender Jace Bode was “staggered” those types of comments were still being hurled at players.
“I don’t understand how in this day and age that someone can think that’s the right thing to do and how people sitting around haven’t challenged that person,” Bode said.
“That’s pathetic.
“I am staggered that in today’s day and age (when) there’s a crowd of 100-150 people up there and someone hears that and they aren’t challenging that person or that person is not coming forward.
“It’s particularly pertinent that we were celebrating Indigenous round in the AFL over the weekend and someone has decided to run (their) mouth.”
Bode said the player subjected to the abuse did not hear it but was upset after teammates told him.
“He’s going through a range of emotions,” Bode said.
“He’s really upset, he’s really angry, he wants a process and he would like to chance to speak to the perpetrator and educate them.
“We (will) obviously wrap our arms around him collectively as a club.”
SPOC chairman Guy Roberts said the club was investigating the incident and hoped to identify the spectator.
In a statement, Roberts said the club was “appalled by the incident and for the hurt caused to the players”.
“While the spectators’ identity is presently unknown, SPOC Football Club apologised to Payneham Norwood Union officials and players after the match,” Roberts said.
“The club has initiated an investigation into the incident and is seeking to identify the spectator.
“Racism is not tolerated in our community.
“It directly conflicts with … our core values of inclusion and respect.
“The club welcomes diversity and promote the message that racism and prejudice does not belong in football or anywhere in Australia.”
Roberts said club officials were working with PNU to get the best outcome possible.
PNU chairman Tyson Burrows welcomed the investigation and was keen to work with Roberts and SPOC to ensure an incident like that did not happen again.
The Falcons lost the game by 11 points.
Adelaide Footy League chief executive John Kernahan was disappointed by the alleged behaviour but lauded the clubs for their handling of the situation.
“With the attention worldwide to conciliation, it is becoming increasingly surprising and disappointing that there are still some who think this type of behaviour is acceptable in the wider community, let alone a sporting event where enjoyment is or should be the priority,” Kernahan said.
“The league’s intolerance to any form of vilification is well documented.
“However, the league openly encourages clubs to seek resolutions … and we are happy if needed to play a role in establishing a platform to collaborate.
“We applaud both the PNU and SPOC football clubs for responsibly seeking a mutually satisfying outcome and in particular the vilified player for his role in calling it out.”