Wanderers import Roly Bonevacia cops racist taunts in Adelaide

Soccer has been rocked by a another case of racism with Wanderers’ import Roly Bonevacia the target of the latest attack.

Western Sydney’s Roly Bonevacia was the subject of racist taunts

Australian soccer has been rocked by a second case of racism in almost seven weeks with Wanderers’ Dutch import Roly Bonevacia the target of the latest attack.

Football Federation Australia and Adelaide United have opened an investigation into the alleged incident with the head body promising to deal harshly with the offender if and when they are eventually identified.

If found and charged, the perpetrator could face a life ban from attending A-League games.

Bonevacia, one of the most likeable players in the A-League, took to his Twitter account just hours after the 2-2 draw with Adelaide United in Adelaide on Wednesday night at Coopers Stadium to hit out over the comments.

“Next time keep the racist comments to yourself @AdelaideUnited fans!! Don’t ruin the game! #sayno,” an obviously upset Bonevacia tweeted.

It is understood the comments were made in Dutch, which ensured United fans in the vicinity were unaware of what was actually said and meant that the offender was able to escape scrutiny at the time.

The incident occurred with about 20 minutes to go in the game. Fox Sports commentator Simon Hill picked up on the situation and sensed something had happened because Bonevacia had “that look” on his face.

It is the second time this season the A-League has been embroiled in a case of racism. Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young was called a monkey by an elderly man during a match against the Wanderers in Mudgee on November 10. A Fox Sports pitch-side microphone picked up Young, who is of Sri Lankan descent, firing back at the fan as he collected the ball for a goal kick.

“Don’t call me a monkey, you f...ing racist c...” Young was heard saying.

The abuser was subsequently identified by fans in the crowd, dealt with by security and then ejected from the ground.

FFA issued a statement yesterday saying they have launched an investigation into Wednesday night’s incident.

“FFA has been made aware of an incident involving a spectator at Coopers Stadium and Western Sydney Wanderers FC footballer, Roly Bonevacia, on Wednesday evening. FFA is working closely with Adelaide United, Western Sydney Wanderers and Adelaide Venue Management to gain a complete understanding of what has occurred. FFA condemns any form of racist or non-inclusive remarks and will not tolerate it at any time.”

The Wanderers have rallied around Bonevacia.

“We have spoken to Roly in regards to alleged racial slurs made to him during the second half of the match against Adelaide United,” they said in a statement.

“The club can confirm that discussions have taken place with FFA and the Adelaide United Football Club regarding this behaviour.

“Investigations regarding the source of the abuse have commenced and the club would like to thank Adelaide United and FFA for their immediate support in regards to this incident.”

Adelaide said they “condemn any form of racist or non-inclusive remarks and will not tolerate it at its fixtures”. However, the club refrained from making any further comments “because of the ongoing investigation”.

The A-League is not the only competition to have struck controversy over racism.

Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling was the subject of racist taunts during a recent match against Chelsea.

A video posted online showed Sterling being abused from close range by a fan as he went to collect the ball from behind the goal.