Football NSW investigating racist, homophobic slurs against APIA Leichhardt

A probe has been launched into a complaint of homophobic and racist abuse towards an Indigenous soccer player by fans at a club aspiring to join the national second tier. LANGUAGE WARNING

Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

WARNING: THIS STORY CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE

A HIGH level indigenous soccer player has formally reported vile racial and homophobic abuse by opposition supporters – where he was allegedly called a f****t and bitch – to Football NSW during an ugly match in Sydney’s west last Sunday.

An APIA Leichhardt indigenous player lodged an on-field complaint to match officials after being targeted by Sydney United 58 FC fans at Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park.

Football NSW has launched an immediate investigation.

APIA Leichhardt president Tony Raciti described the alleged abuse as “staggering and mind-boggling, beyond belief.”

The player sent a letter – obtained by The Daily Telegraph – to his club’s board outlining the disgusting comments allegedly directed at him by Sydney 58 fans.

“Here is my report of what happened on Sunday against Sydney United,” the player wrote. “In the second half, I was playing right wing as in front of the far corner where the fans stand on the grass, the crowd started yelling as I went near the sideline with my back to them at the start.

“Anytime I went near the sideline they would be yelling something but the racist and homophobic calls were:

“Go play with your sticks.”

“You dirty Aboriginal c**t.”

“You stink.”

“Go s..k your boyfriend’s d..k you f****t.”

“You should be carrying your rainbow flag, you bitch.”

“I spat on the ground and a fan said: ‘come spit on my d..k you f****t; you would love that?

“I told the sideline ref at about the 70 minute mark about the racism and said: ‘Can you hear that? They are yelling racist shit at me.’

“I also told Adrian (Arndt) the main referee along with our captain, that I was getting this abuse. I also heard them calling (a teammate) a ‘dirty lebo’ and ‘run you lebo bitch.’

“I was truly shocked by the whole event. I am a proud Aboriginal and this is something that my family and I are extremely proud of. Thanks.”

The complaint letter.

The abuse came during a match in the 16-team semi-professional National Premier Leagues NSW competition, one division below the national A League.

Asked for his thoughts on the alleged abuse, Raciti said: “I describe the words that were directed (at the player) as simply staggering and mind-boggling, beyond belief.

“Our club’s board of management is rallying around the player. APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC does not condone this type of behaviour and there is no place for racial or homophobic behaviour in sport or society. It will never be tolerated.”

APIA Leichhardt won the match 3-1.

Football NSW issued a statement to The Daily Telegraph on Thursday which read: “Football NSW has received an allegation of racial abuse during the round three NPL NSW men’s match between Sydney United 58 and APIA Leichhardt FC.

“Football NSW has opened an investigation into the alleged incident and is working with both clubs.

“Football NSW adopts a zero-tolerance policy to disrespectful or offensive behaviour at sanctioned events and is committed to promoting a safe and enjoyable environment for all football participants.”

Football Australia heavily sanctioned Sydney United 58 for horrid fan behaviour at the Australia Cup final in November where supporters made highly offensive gestures throughout the game and booed during the Welcome to Country.

The Daily Telegraph unsuccessfully attempted to contact Sydney United 58 officials for comment.

Sydney United – formerly named Sydney Croatia – plan to seek a license in the proposed B League in coming years.

Rival clubs stepped forward on Thursday to suggest the club’s crowd behaviour may hinder Sydney United’s chances of entry into the second-tier promotion-relegation competition.

Football Australia released a statement in response to the allegations on Thursday night.

Originally published as Football NSW investigating racist, homophobic slurs against APIA Leichhardt