St Bedes Mentone Tigers Under 16s benched by own club for “abusive behaviour”

A suburban football club has suspended its under-16s for unacceptable behaviour, ordering them to sit out the latest round. And one of Australia’s biggest junior leagues has backed the tough move.

The St Bedes Mentone Tigers have meted out tough love on their U16 team.

A southern suburbs football club has meted out a tough punishment on one of its own teams, suspending its under-16s for unacceptable behaviour.

In a move backed by the South Metro Junior Football League, the St Bedes Mentone Tigers were made to sit out the latest round for sledging opposition players on May 5.

The club has addressed the issue in a bulletin to members this week, saying an umpire had complained about the behaviour of the Under 16 Tigers as they watched another St Bedes Mentone team.

“The team in question was not playing at the time, having finished their game prior,’’ a club statement said.

“They stayed to support their fellow SBMT players in the following match.

“This support of other teams is encouraged across the club, however the behaviour exhibited by our players whilst being spectators on this occasion was not consistent with the SMJFL code of conduct and definitely did not meet the expectations of our club.

“As a result, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers AFC chose to sideline one of our own teams for a week. This was agreed to by the SMJFL.

“Even though it is rarely a characteristic of our teams and our supporters, abusive behaviour will not be tolerated at our club.’’

The bulletin said St Bedes Mentone Tigers prided itself on being inclusive, welcoming and respectful,” and any time we fall short in these areas, we must address the behaviour and find a positive way forward’’.

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“SBMT is a family oriented club, and with that in mind we will engage in training for teams from Under 13s up, to help all players understand the importance of tolerance, diversity and the significance of representing our club positively.’’

The South Metro Junior Football League recorded the Round 3 result as a 60-point victory for Mordialloc-Braeside, 0.0 (60) to 0.0 (0).

In a statement, the SMJFL said the behaviour of the Under 16 team was “not consistent with SMJFL standards and the league applauds the strong leadership shown by the club’’.

“It sends a clear message that poor behaviour from anyone at junior sport will not be tolerated,’’ the league said.