Two Matildas stars have revealed the homophobic abuse they are being subjected to by A-League fans
Two Matildas stars have revealed the homophobic abuse they are being subjected to by A-League fans as the league doubled down on a send-off over the weekend despite the player revealing they were responding to a slur.
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Matildas midfielder Alex Chidiac has opened up about the extreme abuse sent to A-League Women’s players as one of her national squad teammates faces suspension for reacting to an alleged spectator slur.
The PFA has labelled both incidents as “completely unacceptable”.
Chidiac, who plays for the Melbourne Victory, shared on social media a direct message a man sent her.
The hateful homophobic message was sent to Chidiac following Victory’s 4-4 draw with Western Sydney.
We have chosen not to publish the shocking message but Chidiac shared it along with a caption that said there was no place for abuse in the game.
“On our phones or in the stands, you and your abuse is not welcome,” Chidiac wrote.
“To my (LGBTQIA+) community, you are loved and should always be safe in our sport.”
Chidiac’s extraordinary revelation follows another incident on Saturday night in the Newcastle Jets and Western United clash.
In the final minutes of the game, Natasha Prior can be seen interacting with a member of the crowd in back play. Moments later, she is shown a red card by the referee.
Coach Ryan Campbell can be heard telling the fourth official that the comment was meant for a crowd member, not the officials, but the decision wasn’t overturned.
PFA chief executive Beau Busch said players had a right to feel safe.
“Abuse of any player, whether online or during a match, is completely unacceptable,” Busch said. “We continue to offer Alex and Tash direct support.
“The sport must shift from reacting after harm occurs to proactively safeguarding players. Addressing abuse only after it occurs falls short of genuine player protection.
“We have committed substantial resources to enhancing player safety online and remain dedicated to expanding LGBTI inclusion education for all players, but it is incumbent on the APL and FA to enhance safety for players in stadiums.”
Football Australia has since issued Prior a two-match suspension.
“The match review panel determined that Prior committed the offence of use of offensive or insulting or abusive language and or gestures,” a statement from Football Australia said.
“The minimum sanction for the offence is a one-match suspension. The MRP proposed that Prior serve a suspension of a two matches for the offence.”
Prior had until 2pm (AEDT) on Tuesday to refer the matter to the independent Disciplinary and Ethics Committee.
The Newcastle Jets have lodged a complaint with Football Australia.
“In relation to the Newcastle Jets’ A-League Women game on Friday night, versus Western United at Ironbark Fields, the Jets confirm that a complaint has been lodged to Football Australia in relation to an alleged offensive slur being made by a member of the public directed at a Jets player during the match,” the statement said.
“The Newcastle Jets are a family club, built on hard work and togetherness.
“We are a club that welcomes everyone, no matter your faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. Our diversity is our strength and inclusivity is sacrosanct.
“Everyone has a place in our club and in football, and any fan or player jeopardising that sense of belonging is not welcome.
“Any form of abuse and discrimination is not part of the game and is something this club will not tolerate.
The Newcastle Jets will not make any further comment at this time.”
Football Australia confirmed it had received the complaint and was investigating.
“As the governing body of football in Australia, Football Australia has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of vilification or anti-social behaviour, as those actions contradict the values of respect and inclusivity that Football Australia stands for,” a statement said.
“While this investigation takes place, Football Australia will not provide further comment.”
Originally published as Two Matildas stars have revealed the homophobic abuse they are being subjected to by A-League fans