Football abuse claims: Matildas have thrown Lisa De Vanna under the bus, says former player

A former teammate of several current Matildas says it’s time to put friendships aside in football’s fight for change, reserving a scathing attack for group statement issued by Football Australia.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03: Lisa De Vanna of Australia celebrates with teammates after scoring her side's second goal during the 2019 Cup of Nations match between Australia and the Korea Republic at Suncorp Stadium on March 03, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

A former teammate of several current and past Matildas has come forward to express her disgust at the group statement issued by Football Australia on behalf of the Matildas which clearly was “orchestrated bullshit” designed to protect brand of the national women’s side.

Declining to be named for fear of retribution, the player said there was growing resentment in the ranks about how Football Australia was treating the bombshell claims of a toxic culture within the football community, and the treatment of Lisa De Vanna herself.

“Enough is enough and its time to put friendships aside and focus on what’s important within the future of the sport for the integrity of upcoming generations.

“They just want this issue to just go away.”

A former Matilda has slammed the current group’s response to Lisa De Vanna’s bombshell claims.

In an official statement released on Monday, the current Matildas made the following statement: “We acknowledge the seriousness of Lisa’s allegations about the past and we empathise with her for not feeling like she could come forth earlier.

“We will work with Football Australia, the PFA and Sport Integrity Australia to ensure that all current and future players feel comfortable, safe and able to report instances of inappropriate behaviour, in a timely manner.

“There must also be a trusted process to deal with these complaints.

“We all – from our most capped players to our most recently capped - would like to reassure to our fans, family and friends that today we have a strong professional, inclusive and supportive culture that does not condone any of the behaviour mentioned within the numerous media articles about historical incidents.”

It should be noted that the initial explosive claims by De Vanna were triggered by a recent incident involving a current player within the Football Australia system - a player she said had suffered personally and professionally.

Lisa De Vanna (R) during her Matildas career.

De Vanna first reached out to Football Australia 18 months ago, and then News Corp last week but the tone and contents of Monday’s Matildas statement prompted a terse response from some within the football community.

“I was prompted to speak out after seeing the Matilda’s statement ... the amount of bullshit that was spun ... this isn’t historical, it is still happening,” said the teammate of several current and former Matildas.

“I think it’s time for all of us to speak up within women’s soccer.

“I could talk for hours on end about my experiences of seeing things during my soccer career.

“I can’t see it changing - this statement shows that things won’t change. And the way they have thrown Lisa (De Vanna) under a bus is disgraceful.

“It hasn’t just been Lisa that has spoken up - there have been a few of us now.

“For all of us it’s been about player welfare from the grassroots up - we all love the game of football. We wish Football Australia did too, and weren’t just treating it like a brand.”

Socceroos legend Robbie Slater had on Sunday urged the Matildas current stars to speak up about the allegations.

Sam Kerr has described the Matildas team environment as a ‘safe haven’. Picture: Getty

“Incidents that De Vanna has brought up may have been wrongly swept under the carpet when the Matildas’ following was small,” Slater said in an exclusive column for News Corp.

“But there’s no more hiding, and that applies to the players as well.

“The silence from Matildas captain Kerr and her teammates – particularly the squad’s senior players – has been deafening.

“Where is their support for De Vanna?”

Matildas star Sam Kerr made her national debut as a 15-year-old in 2008 before becoming the team captain and all-time leading goalscorer, overtaking De Vanna at the Tokyo Olympics.

“I have been a part of this team for 12 amazing years, from 15 years old to now. Throughout my career the Matildas have been a safe haven for me and allowed me to grow into the player and person I am today,” Kerr said.

“I count myself lucky to be a part of this amazing group of athletes and people.”

Elise Kellond-Knight initially questioned De Vanna when news first broke last week, before deleting a tweet in response to the Matildas icon’s allegations.

The 31-year-old defended the Matildas culture on Monday.

“The Matildas are a large part of my identity,” she said.

“I have dedicated a lot of my time to help grow the culture and professionalism of this team and it’s been a fantastic journey that we are all proud of.”

Originally published as Football abuse claims: Matildas have thrown Lisa De Vanna under the bus, says former player