Netball Nightmare: Sydney Woman Charged Over "Vile" Antisemitic Slurs at Children's Match
Spectators at Heffron Park were left horrified as slurs were directed at under-12 Jewish players from Maccabi Netball NSW. With a court date set and a lifetime ban issued by NSW Netball, community leaders are sounding the alarm over rising hate speech in youth sports.
A 42-year-old woman has been charged by NSW Police after allegedly shouting antisemitic slurs, including “F**k the Jews” and “They should have all been eradicated,” at an under-12 girls’ netball match in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. Saturday at Heffron Park netball courts in Maroubra during a game between Maccabi Netball NSW (a Jewish community club) and Saints Netball Club. Witnesses reported that the woman, a spectator supporting the Saints side, directed the comments toward Jewish players and parents on the sidelines.
Police were called to the scene and spoke with the woman, issuing her a move-on direction. Following further inquiries, she was charged on Sunday with using offensive language in or near a public place. She is due to appear at Waverley Local Court on June 17.
Community Response
Maccabi Netball NSW described the incident as “deeply distressing” for the young players and families involved. The club has lodged an official complaint with the Randwick Netball Association and the opposing club. NSW Netball has also banned the woman from attending any future netball events.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin, who attended the scene, condemned the remarks and spoke directly with the woman.
Jewish community leaders have expressed concern over the rising number of antisemitic incidents in Australia, particularly those involving children at community sporting events.