Heathcote District league threatens lifetime bans for supporters

A country footy league is threatening to ban spectators for life if umpire abuse continues after one club was penalised after an ugly incident.

A country footy league is threatening to hand down life bans to spectators after umpires were abused at a recent game which saw one club sanctioned.

The Heathcote Football Netball Club have been given a suspended $2000 fine after one of their supporters allegedly abused umpires verbally after the game between the Saints and White Hills in round three.

White Hills won a two point thriller, in a high scoring contest, 17.13 (115) to 17.11 (113).

As the umpires were walking off the ground, the incident happened, with a person wearing Heathcote colours involved.

Not only was the alleged abuse an issue for the HDFNL board but the incident happened in front of children boundary umpires.

The incident has led to a parent of one of the umpires request their child does not umpire night games in the future.

League president Peter Cole said he was disappointed abuse had come back into their competition but he’s keen on stamping it out.

“This is an absolute non negotiable (no abuse),” he said.

“We’ve come down hard on this club and will be doing the same to the other eight tonight at our meeting. This is just not on.

“While I understand it is difficult to stop, especially in this instance, where it happened after the game as umpires are walking off the ground, it’s more about making them aware that this isn’t tolerated.

“I’m pleased with the way Heathcote have handled it and accepted it. What we’re doing is we’ve moved forward from that.

“We’ve had one incident, it’s one too many.”

Cole said the competition wouldn’t be afraid to punish those in the future who bring the game into disrepute.

“We’ll put a lifetime ban on them, no problem at all,” he said.

“They won’t be coming to games, no matter who they are. For two hours every Saturday the umpires are the most important people on our ground.

“If (clubs have) proven that they’ve heard the comment and they’ve approached the person and asked them to quieten down, then no (no fine),” he said.

“If the person continues to do it, the club has done their best and we’ll put a lifetime ban on them.

“Where it will be enacted (a fine to the club) is if the person has yelled out during the game and nothing has been done about it.

“If we don’t have our umpires, we’re all in trouble.”

Cole said umpires have the power to award free kicks during the match if spectator abuse is heard.

“If umpires hear it from now on they’ll be paying free kick and we want them to do it, they have the power,” he said.

“It won’t take long, they’ll shut up (if free kicks happen).”

Heathcote Football Netball Club released a statement on Wednesday condemning the actions and reminding their supporters and members abusive behaviour towards officials was not on.

“A reminder to all the HFNC members and visitors supporting our teams, zero tolerance is in place for any form of abuse towards umpires and officials at our games within the HDFNL,” the club said.

“I am confident that everyone understands the needs for respectful behaviour whilst attending HDFNL games and look forward to enjoying many more wins with you throughout the 2023 season.”.

Cole said if people hear abuse to report it to one of the clubs or someone from the HDFNL.

Originally published as Heathcote District league threatens lifetime bans for supporters