Arabic version: اتحاد كرة القدم يتساءل عن منشورات نادي براكنل على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي

According to ABC News, the Northern Tasmanian Football Association (NTFA) is “deeply troubled” by social media activity from Bracknell Football Club after former coach Josh Adams was charged with three counts of rape.

Police confirmed they charged a 44-year-old man over offences alleged to have occurred in April last year. Mr Adams is scheduled to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court early next year. The circumstances surrounding the criminal allegations remain before the courts and are a matter for police.

The ABC said it had seen copies of a Facebook post from the club calling for people to stand together. The post said people were “more than headlines, allegations or one difficult chapter” and said the club could not let division tear apart something that had brought many people together.

AFL Tasmania is reviewing related social media activity for possible breaches of the National Community Football Policy Handbook and will work with the NTFA and the club. The NTFA said the club had been asked to stop public commentary that could cause further distress or harm to those involved, particularly the alleged victim and others affected.

The association said it would contact member clubs to reinforce safeguarding responsibilities, conduct expectations and obligations when responding to allegations of sexual violence or other serious misconduct. It also plans to engage an appropriately qualified practitioner to provide guidance and education for clubs and volunteers on trauma-informed, respectful and accountable responses. The NTFA said it became aware of expected serious criminal charges on October 16 and concerning messages attributed to club president Nicole Jones on October 23. It referred the matter to AFL Tasmania, and Ms Jones later apologised and stood down.