A local footy league is investigating allegations of racism from spectators

A Melbourne football league is investigating after vile abuse was hurled at players from a club where Eddie Betts plays and is coached by Neville Jetta.

The Northern Football Netball League is investigating allegations of racism at a match on Saturday.

Racist remarks can be heard on footage of the match between Kinglake and Fitzroy Stars, with one spectator shouting “black c--ns”.

It has been reported one young player was targeted with vile taunts about his mother, who had recently passed away.

Fitzroy Stars, an all Indigenous club, won the match by 48 points at Memorial Oval.

The club is coached by ex-AFL star Neville Jetta, while Eddie Betts has played three matches this season, and both have been vocal anti-racism advocates.

The NFNL said if offenders were identified they would be dealt with accordingly.

“The league has been made aware of an incident in the Kinglake, Fitzroy Stars game and the Northern Football Netball League is currently investigating,” league CEO Martin Stillman said.

Kinglake categorically rejected any accusation of racism from its supporters.

Lakers president Cameron Caine said the club had spoken before and after the match about spectator behaviour.

He said home supporters did not watch the match from the position on the east side of the ground where the match vision camera is set up.

Caine said there was football banter but nothing racist from the home crowd.

A car show was held nearby and it was suggested the offenders were not regular football supporters.

In a statement uploaded to social media on Thursday via the club’s social media channels, Caine said the club had a zero tolerance on racial vilification.

“Kinglake Football Netball Club (KFNC) would like to make it unequivocally clear that we do not condone or tolerate any form of racial vilification or discrimination within our club or broader football and netball community,” he said.

“Any behaviour that undermines the safety, dignity, or cultural identity of others has no place at KFNC and will be addressed with seriousness and urgency.

“We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.

“We stand in solidarity with those affected by racial abuse and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure our club remains a space that values diversity and respect.”

Match vision picks up racism taunts on audio in the third quarter after Stars forward Kyle Wheatley kicks a goal.

Fitzroy Stars general manager Luke McKeown said it was disappointed young players were subject to such behaviour.

“We are pleased the league is investigating the matter,” he said.

“Fitzroy Stars is concerned with the development of our young players and the effects of constant racial abuse cannot be overstated.”

Earlier this year, all 18 AFL club captains were involved in a anti-vilification campaign to reinforce a zero-tolerance stance at every level of the game.

The campaign, which was sent out to players, coaches, volunteers, umpires, parents, leagues and associations at community levels, is aimed at stamping out racism and vilification and also providing resources and support to combat and manage incidents.

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AFL general manager of game development Rob Auld said there were resources available to all participants to target poor behaviour.

“The AFL takes a zero-tolerance approach to vilification in our game across all levels of football and this campaign targeting local footy is vital to ensure everyone knows their rights, responsibility and the resources available when it comes to reporting and resolving vilification.

“We have processes in place and easily accessible resources at play.afl for players, coaches, umpires, parents, volunteers, leagues and associations to help manage any vilification incidents that occur.

“We know vilification has no place in our game, but we also need to ensure that if cases do arise, we have the most thorough and robust process to help support, educate and resolve the incident.”