Sturt Football Club players, officials abused by youths with a knife at Unley Oval

A SANFL club official has been threatened with a knife and women’s players abused by youths later suspected of returning to vandalise the oval.

CCTV footage shows a gang of youths at Unley Oval. Picture: 7NEWS

Youths have pulled a knife on Sturt Football Club’s property manager during SANFLW training, with traumatised players threatened, abused and pelted with objects.

Some players were so shaken by the confrontation they were escorted to their cars.

The youths fled Unley Oval before police arrived but the club believes they returned during the night and extensively graffitied the grandstands and other areas.

Sturt Football Club CEO Sue Dewing said she was “appalled”, noting the mental health impact the incident had on both players and officials.

“It’s just not on,” Ms Dewing said. “It was a really unfortunate incident and something that we just wouldn’t expect to happen at a training session. It’s certainly not something you want to deal with ever, let alone on a Friday before a game.”

“In senior women’s football, you’ve got 16-year-olds playing because it’s such a new competition so we’ve still got very young girls come through as league players. It’s not the sort of thing that them or their parents probably expect them to have to deal with.

“I just hope that these youths see the errors of their ways. We need to put some footballs in their hands and maybe they could be better at football than they are at destroying public property.”

Police were called to the Sturt Football Club about 6.20pm on Thursday. Picture 7NEWS

Police were called to the club about 6.20pm on Thursday night after reports three young males were verbally abusing players but they were unable to be found.

Unley Council confirmed work began Friday morning to remove the graffiti ahead of Sturt’s SANFL home games on Saturday.

In a Facebook post, the club said five youths allegedly began riding their bikes and running through drills during senior training session on Thursday night.

Unley Oval was graffitied after youths allegedly pulled a knife and abused Sturt players and officials during training. Picture: Sturt Football Club

Unley Oval was graffitied after youths allegedly pulled a knife and abused Sturt players and officials during training. Picture: Sturt Football Club

When they were asked to leave, one of the teens allegedly threatened the club’s property manager with a knife.

The youths then threw objects at players and “hurled abuse”.

Later that night, the grandstands, new interchange shelter, coaches’ boxes, canteen, benches, pavers and public toilets were targeted with graffiti.

Unley Oval was graffitied after youths allegedly pulled a knife and abused Sturt players and officials during training. Picture: Sturt Football Club

The vandals struck after the confrontation by youths, one that brandished a knife, the club said. Picture: Sturt Football Club

Unley Oval’s canteens, grandstand and other areas were targeted. Picture: Sturt Football Club

The club said members of the women’s team were “visibly shaken by the experience” and some were escorted to their cars by coaching staff as a precaution.

“Despite the immediate response from SAPOL, the youths fled before authorities arrived. We strongly suspect these same individuals are responsible for the extensive graffiti vandalism that occurred later that night.

“Our volunteers, the Baggies, will also be on hand to help repair and restore the affected areas, ensuring we are ready for the games scheduled.

“If you have any information that might assist with the investigation, please contact SAPOL. Together, we can ensure Unley Oval and our club remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”

Police said they were investigating both incidents and working with the club and council. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers online at crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.