Arabic version: امرأة تبلغ من العمر 42 عامًا تُتهم بتصريحات معادية للسامية خلال مباراة كرة الشبكة

A 42-year-old woman has been charged following an alleged antisemitic incident during an under-12 girls’ netball game in Maroubra, Sydney. The event occurred on Saturday morning at Heffron Park, where the woman reportedly made offensive comments during a match between Maccabi Netball Club and Saints Netball Club. According to ABC News, police were called to the scene after complaints about the remarks.

Initially, the woman was issued a move-on order but was not arrested at the time. However, on Sunday, she was charged with using offensive language in or near a public place or school and received a Court Attendance Notice. She is scheduled to appear in Waverley Local Court on June 17.

The incident has drawn condemnation from various groups, including the state government and the Randwick Netball Association. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, confronted the woman after the incident. He reported that she allegedly told parents and players from the opposing team, “F*** the Jews,” and made further derogatory comments about Jewish people, stating that they “should have been eradicated.”

In response to the incident, the Saints Netball Club issued a statement disavowing antisemitism and apologizing to the affected community. The Randwick Netball Association also condemned the behavior and stated it would apply the appropriate integrity framework in its investigation. NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe expressed her horror at the incident, calling it “absolutely unacceptable.”

This situation arises during a time when the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is examining a reported increase in antisemitic incidents within community sports. Ryvchin expressed hope that the woman would face a lifetime ban from attending future games, emphasizing the need for zero tolerance towards such behavior in sports environments.